~ 9Ct Gold Early 20th Century Helvetia Ladies Watch ~
Here we have a very interesting piece, an early 20th century, likely from the 30’s, Helvetia watch with a Regent spring loaded bracelet.
The watch is marked with the word ‘REGENT’ and ‘9Ctl’ denoting 9 Ct gold.
The watch face is silvered and marked with ‘Helvetia’ and ‘Shock Absorber’.
This is a Swiss watch brand known for producing quality timepieces in the early-to-mid 20th century, often associated with elegant designs and reliable movements.
~ Dimensions ~
The watch bracelet is 6 inches (15 cm) but expands.
The face is 2 cm diameter.
The watch weighs 12.8 grams.
~ Condition ~
The springs do not all hold tension.
There are some scratches to the perspex face.
Case:
Material: Crafted from 9-carat gold, a hallmark of luxury and refinement in early 20th-century wristwatches.
Shape: Unique cushion-shaped case with gentle curves, reflecting the Art Deco influence prevalent in the 1920s–1930s.
Size: Compact and feminine, typical of ladies’ watches from this era.
Dial:
Design:
Features an aged, off-white or champagne-toned dial with visible patina, indicative of its vintage character.
Markers: Arabic numerals in a classic font, with an emphasis on readability.
Hands: Delicate, blued steel hands, a hallmark of fine watchmaking during the period.
Sub-Dial: A small seconds sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position, adding a functional and aesthetic detail.
Movement:
Type: Manual wind, requiring daily winding to maintain accurate timekeeping.
Quality: Swiss-made movement, known for its precision and durability.
Jewels: Likely features a jeweled movement to reduce friction and enhance longevity.
Crystal:
Material: Domed acrylic or mineral glass, protecting the dial while maintaining the vintage look.
Bracelet/Strap:
Material: A matching gold bracelet, designed to complement the watch’s luxurious appeal.
Style: Slim and elegant, fitting seamlessly with the watch’s refined aesthetic.
Hallmarks:
Likely bears hallmarks or engravings indicating the 9-carat gold content, as well as possible branding or serial numbers on the case back.
Historical Context:
Era:
Early 20th century, likely from the 1920s or 1930s, when wristwatches became fashionable for women as practical yet elegant accessories.
The cushion-shaped case and Art Deco styling reflect the design trends of the time.
Helvetia Watch Company:
Founded in 1890, Helvetia produced high-quality watches that were both functional and stylish.
Known for adopting innovative designs and reliable Swiss movements, the brand catered to the growing demand for wristwatches in the early 20th century.
Gold Watches:
9-carat gold was a popular choice for luxury timepieces, offering a balance between affordability and elegance.
Such watches were often gifted as tokens of appreciation or milestones, adding sentimental value.