Norstel & C. - Vintage 18k Gold and Pearls Lapel Watch

This is a gorgeous antique lapel watch by Norstel & Co, dating to approximately the 1920s–1930s. The watch is crafted in 18K gold and topped with an ornate floral brooch pin set with cultured pearls, including a larger pearl at the center, a design that sits at the beautiful transition point between Art Nouveau's flowing lines and Art Deco's more structured symmetry. The watch itself has a round case with a clean, classic dial marked "Antimagnetic" and "17 Rubis" (17 jewels), with elegant hour markers and delicate hands.

Lapel watches like this one were a popular accessory from the early 1900s through the 1940s, designed to be pinned to a blouse or jacket, letting a woman check the time elegantly without needing a wristwatch. This one is still running today and keeps reasonably good time, currently running about 6 minutes fast per day, a minor, typical regulation issue for a watch of this age that a watchmaker could likely correct easily. The pearl brooch adds a romantic, jewelry-like quality that sets this piece apart from a typical pocket or wrist watch, and makes it a wonderful find for collectors of antique gold jewelry, vintage timepieces, or early Swiss watchmaking.

Please note there are some dents visible in the gold case, as shown in the photos, normal wear consistent with a piece of this age, but please review the images closely as part of your purchase decision.

2 3/4 x 1"

15.3g

Marked on back of case: "750 (in a diamond shape) 48752 (triangular mark)"

Marked on face: "NORSTEL & C 17 RUBIS ANTIMAGNETIC"