Art Deco was the first truly international style, infusing objects large (airplanes, ocean liners, buildings) and small (radios, vacuum cleaners, lamps, jewelry) with luxury, glamour, exuberance and optimism. Art Deco embraced new materials and manufacturing techniques.

Elgin was caught up in the movement, producing pocket watches that embodied the newfound love of unabashed style. This Elgin Gentlemen’s Dress Pocket Watch dates to around 1927, during Art Deco’s heyday.

Elgin replaced the enamel dial – prone to chipping and cracking – with the latest metal formulation. But the typography is the clearest reflection of its Art Deco design.

The numbers two, seven, eight and twelve are bold and fresh, yet playfully elegant – a far cry from the workmanlike fonts found on the railroad watches that made Elgin’s original fortune. As are the bold indices marking the small seconds hand. All complimented by exquisitely ornate custom heat treated blued steel hands (a must for any serious collector).

The design flanking the Elgin/Keystone solid 14K white gold case’s winder is a clear tip of the horological hat to the wing-sandaled Greek messenger god Hermes – reflecting Art Deco’s love of classical references.

The watch itself is a top-shelf Gentlemen’s Dress Pocket Watch, powered by the superb Elgin Grade 479 Movement. Unlike millions of pocket watches before it, the movement is simple, plain, unadorned – reflecting Art Deco’s unabashed love for the visual poetry of manmade machinery.

This is an excellent pocket watch for collectors who embrace the combination of romance and mechanical excellence in all its forms. And for those who want a robust and accurate timepiece to accompany them on their travels through time and space.