September marks the beginning of Autumn and the end of lazy summer nights! We are dedicating this month’s newsletter to wristwatches as a reminder of how fast time flies. “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” ~Henry Van Dyke  |
DE18329 Fine Ladies Art Deco Swiss Platinum Diamond Watch featuring a rectangular hinged case topped with pierced geometric lugs attached to a sectional open frame rectangular link bracelet studded with 131 round and 8 baguette cut diamonds weighing approx. 2.32cts. Swiss movement, 17 jewels. 13.7dwt, 6 1/8". |
Just one century ago, wrist watches were considered jewelry items reserved strictly for women. It was not coveted for its functional purpose; rather, it was prized for its aesthetic value. As a result, it did not exist in a man’s wardrobe. Instead, men carried around pocket watches worn on chains which could be strapped to the waistcoat, lapel, or belt loop.
Pocket watches surfaced in the 16th century and were modeled after clocks. It was originally designed to be worn around the neck but in the 17th century it became more popular to carry it in the pocket. Up until the 18th century, only men of prestige carried a pocket watch since it was not affordable for all classes. Eventually, watch manufacturers began to mass produce watches in affordable materials such as coin silver. Styles included open-face and hunter-case watches. The pocket watch’s stem-set movement was soon replaced by the stem-set movement which allowed for easier winding and time adjustments.
It was around the time of World War I that wrist watches became popular for men. The military wore “trench watches” on their wrist to keep time on the battlefield. It was an easier and quicker way to check the time. The design of the men’s wrist watch was much more rugged and durable than the ladies’ dainty wrist watch. Watch manufacturers experimented with plastic covers over metallic dials as opposed to the traditional glass of porcelain. New movements were able to sustain the constant movement, tension, temperature changes, and direction of the wearer. All these improvements helped to boost the popularity of the wrist watch for men.
Today, it is very common to see prestigious men with large collections of very important watches. The wrist watch is no longer “just a piece of jewelry”!
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
~Albert Camus
“Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow.”
~Author Unknown
DuMont Estate Jewelry carries one of the largest selections of Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, and Collectible Contemporary Jewelry in the world! Please stop by our showrooms for a visit or click here to visit our website.
