7 of the best Art Deco watches that are dapper and flapper-approved

Buffy Acacia

The 1920s and ‘30s were an exceptionally important period in the history of watchmaking, as the First World War brought wristwatches into widespread popularity for the first time. It stands to reason that the watches reflected the art around them, and so early examples adopted the precise and exuberant yet structured style of Art Deco. Today, Art Deco’s influence can still be felt in both the watches that survived the test of time, and the new ones that pay tribute. The ones we selected, however, you can buy today.

Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz

The Boulton Quartz, from the Hamilton American Classic collection, prominently featured on the silver screen in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. But while it’s not one of the mechanical versions that Hamilton also makes currently, it’s actually the most faithful recreation of the original watch from 1941. The gold PVD-coated steel case offers an affordable way to get a decadent taste of Art Deco, as do the 27mm x 31.6mm case dimensions. The typeface of the Arabic numerals is unique, typifying the eccentricity that vintage dials had, and distinguishing the Boulton as something from a bygone era. Price: US$745, available from from the Time+Tide Shop

Baltic Prismic

Looking past the art and the architecture, one of the most evocative aspects of the 1920s and ‘30s were the lavish cocktail parties before the Great Depression set in. Cocktail watches played their part well in that scene, and the Baltic Prismic is a modern interpretation that could be worn by any gender. Its dial is utterly sleek, and effortlessly combines elements such as the fanned centre texture, highly-reflective clous de Paris hour markers, and an optional Milanese mesh bracelet for a decadent experience on an attainable budget. The purple, blue, salmon and green colour options are all equally sumptuous, and explore a wealth of gradients in various lights. Price: €1,050 (~US$1,100), available from from the Time+Tide Shop

Longines Mini DolceVita

There is admittedly a large bias towards rectangular watches on this list, but for good reason. Right angles and parallel lines are one of the main traits of Art Deco design, echoing the rigidity of then-modern construction as well as the columns of classical history. There are many versions of the Longines DolceVita that you could lump in as Art Deco due to their shape, but it’s the bracelet of the Mini DolceVita which cements its place on this list. It’s stoic, beautiful, and reinforces the structural aesthetic even while curved on the wrist. Plus, the sector dial with its small seconds display is exceptionally lovely for a relatively budget-friendly watch. Price: US$1,850

Tiffany & Co. East West Automatic 3-Hand

Despite being central to co-signed dial history and the Tiffany blue trend, Tiffany & Co. is not renowned as a watchmaker in its own right. However if you’re looking for Art Deco, you’d do well to trust one of the biggest names from the period. Between its jewellery, chandeliers, and stained glass windows, Tiffany ruled over New York’s elite in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The East West Automatic is a fun play on the elongated Tank shape with a dial rotated 90° for easier viewing while your hands are in front of you, and it’s powered by a Swiss automatic movement. The beige, stenciled numerals look absolutely authentic to the period, and the fanned texture practically blasts your brain with cabaret tunes whenever you check the time. Price: US$4,100

Cartier Tank Américaine

Although the original Cartier Tank predates Art Deco having been unveiled in 1917, the Tank variant which most represents the Art Deco style only came about in 1989. Elongating the case created a refined, slender profile that echoes the rectangular motifs of Art Deco well, and the ovate rendition of the Roman numerals contributes to this effect further. There are many references that vary in types of movement, size, and case material with or without diamonds, but all are equally elegant. If you’re interested in something even more luxurious, a reference has recently been released in a platinum case with a warm parchment dial. Price: US$6,250 (Large, stainless steel, automatic)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

First released in 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso could be considered the quintessential Art Deco watch. While its iconic flipping mechanism was originally devised to protect the crystal during polo games, it’s become one of the ultimate dress watches of modern times thanks to its clean lines, beautiful proportions and simple elegance. The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds has evolved significantly from the 1931 original, but the sumptuous dial colours, dauphine hands and the small seconds subdial all contribute to its timeless aesthetic. Price: US$10,600

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

The cushion case may have had a big comeback in the 1970s, but it was the 1920s when cushion-cased wristwatches were at the peak of sophistication. Based on a reference from 1921 and reissued to celebrate the watch’s 100th anniversary, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is instantly captivating. The 45° tilt of the dial originated for the drivers of the day, traditionally worn under the wrist so that you could glance at the time without straining your neck or awkwardly lifting your arm. Admittedly it’s not really a problem that needed a solution, but the result is so gorgeous it’s impossible to complain. Price: US$33,400

Time+Tide Timeless Pick: Rolex Prince Zebra

There are so many things to love about the Rolex Prince. Firstly, it came from a time when Rolex couldn’t simply rely on its own success, and the brand had to try doing things differently. The case is not just a simple rectangle like the Cartier Tank released over a decade prior, but subtly flanged when viewed from above, and generously curved to fit your wrist contour from side-on. The Zebra name was earned from the striped bezel, achieved by butting together columns of white and yellow gold – something that’s far more difficult to do than it seems. Then, there’s the deliciously distinctive dial with its hours and minutes firmly located in the top half, with running seconds below. Truthfully, Rolex Princes are not incredibly rare watches, and you can find non-Zebra or 9k gold references with a gorgeous patina for less than US$10,000. That may still be plenty of money for a century-old watch, but considering what modern Rolexes sell for, I think it’s a fair price for a pretty piece of history.