Glitz, glamour, and galas: conversely to the 2020s, the roaring 20s were a time of youth and socialisation. Technology boomed, as did the economy, jazz music, and the flapper style for women. The decade also saw the birth of the era’s dominant style, Art Deco. There is certainly lots to be admired about this time period, and it’s no wonder 1920s-style watches are in high demand. However, authentic 1920s timepieces can be tricky to come by, especially as many can be costly. Moreover, they often require hefty maintenance to restore them back to working condition again. Luckily, there are lots of 1920s-inspired watches in today’s market that use contemporary technology to give you the best of both worlds. Want to incorporate a bit of Gatsby in your watch collection? Read on to discover our list of the best 1920s-inspired watches this year.
The Archival: Art Deco and 1920s Style
Characterised by rich colours, clean shapes and neat ornamentation, Art Deco is one of the most iconic products of the 1920s. Art Deco designs often echoed machine-like qualities, such as repeating patterns, geometric shapes, and symmetry. Furthermore, these designs oozed luxury. Due to the recent excavations in Pompeii and that of Tutankhamun’s tomb, lots of motifs and colours were adopted from earlier time periods. For example, the blue and gold of Tutankhamun’s funerary mask were revived in many art deco designs. Foliage and sunray were also characteristic features of the style that had the same historic roots.
Beyond visual arts, the movement influenced architecture, furniture, infrastructure, and much more. For instance, a great demonstration of the Art Deco style in architecture is the Chrysler Building in New York.
Watch Trends of the 1920s
As described above, the principal trend at the time was Art Deco. Moreover, in fashion, elongated silhouettes were also popularised through the rise of the bob haircut and shorter dresses. Translating into wristwear, many watches took on an elongated shape in the 1920s. This is reflected through the popularisation of the elegant tonneau dial shape. In less poetic terms, the tonneau was a barrel-like shape originally designed to sit comfortably against the contours of the wrist. For the same reasons as the tonneau, rectangular dials were also fashionable. In line with the period’s air of elegance and sophistication, many watches also featured Roman numerals amongst other luxurious detailings.
The Revival: Best 1920s Inspired Watches
Timeless ‘20s elegance: LONGINES Evidenza Automatic Women’s Watch L21424706 L2.142.4.70.6
Known for longstanding luxury, it’s unsurprising that Longines are the first contender on our list. Its Evidenza collection was inspired by the 1920s and features the classic barrel shape described above. The shape was first used by the brand in 1911, however, this particular Evidenza model is based on a vintage model from 1925. Enclosed by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the watch features a silver sunray dial. For optimal readability, paired with the silver-tone dial are blue steel hands and Roman numeral indices. The design is then finished with a classic stainless steel bracelet. Practical features on the watch include an end-of-life indicator, a date display, and an automatic movement with the brand’s L592 calibre. A timeless and elegant silhouette, this model is the perfect luxury 1920s-inspired timepiece.
Rose-gold gracefulness: Herbelin Montre Art Deco 1925s Empire Rose Tone Black Leather 17577PR04BR
In line with its namesake, this Herbelin Montre Art Deco has strong Gatsby-esque roots. A rose gold-tone stainless steel case frames the black lacquered dial, measuring 22 mm in diameter. This case features a stepped form which stylishly blends the case out into the strap. Adorning the dial is a classic Art Deco double-layered rectangle design, also finished in rose gold. The design is accompanied by a stylish textured brown leather strap to complement the warmth of the watch’s colour scheme. With no indices, the dial features just two rose gold hands, giving this glitzy design a minimalistic edge. A petite yet eye-catching piece, this Herbelin is an excellent way to inject some 1920s into your everyday.
Minimal and masculine: Herbelin Men’s Art Deco Black Leather Strap 17468T08
Another contender from Herbelin, this next model is for the men who want a splash of ‘20s flair in their collection. The rectangular case is bordered by gold bar detailing at the top and bottom, mirroring the symmetrical patterning seen in original Art Deco designs. To complement this, the crown on the right-hand side is also gold and textured. These gold features contrast the silver of the dial and the 26.5 mm wide stainless steel case, adding an element of depth to the design. Black Roman numeral indices surround the dial and are paired with slim black hour and minute hands. A timeless black leather strap is paired with this model, meaning the model is tailorable to any occasion.
Glitz with a contemporary twist: Baume & Mercier Women’s Hampton Diamond Set Watch M0A10631
The 1920s was Baume & Mercier’s heyday and the period in which the brand found its characteristic style. Paying homage to this heritage, the Hampton collection fuses a 1920s-inspired design with contemporary touches. At the centre of the model, polished silver-tone baton indices complement the white dial. For a contemporary twist, the 12 and 6 o’clock hour markers have been replaced with Arabic numerals. However, the model’s stand-out feature is the stunning diamond-set bezel, which sits on a rectangular stainless steel case. Echoing popular Art Deco colour schemes, the case is accessorised with a green crystal-set crown on the right-hand side. Protecting the dial is a curved sapphire crystal, which boasts a water resistance of up to 50 metres (5 bar). Completing the design is a sleek stainless steel bracelet. For those craving a Gatsby-esque timepiece with a modern twist, the Hampton is for you.
The showstopper: Swarovski Cocktail Watch Crystal Set Stainless Steel Bracelet 5547617
In line with the glamour of the roaring 20s, cocktail watches were a popular trend for women. Providing you with a contemporary take on this trend is this Swarovski model. From the stainless steel case to the chain-style bracelet, the entire design is set with Swarovski crystals. To balance this, the model features a minimalistic dial featuring only the brand’s iconic swan logo, polished silver-tone hands, and a crystal set at the 6 o’clock position. Perfect for occasion wear or even a glamorous everyday look, this watch doubles as a jewellery piece that is bound to make you stand out amongst the crowd.
What’s your favourite style amongst our best 1920s-inspired watches? Drop a comment down below and let us know.
