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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Cocktail watch

Art Deco Gem-Set Cocktail Watch

Partially verified

This Art Deco gem-set cocktail watch dates to circa 1925 according to Bonhams. It features a square dial with black Arabic numerals and blue steel hands set within an oval bezel bordered by single-cut diamonds and buff-top rubies above and below. The lugs are adorned with onyx and diamonds, attaching to a diamond-set black cord strap. The clasp incorporates black enamel decoration, carries French assay marks, and bears the maker's mark for Georges Thibault alongside serial number 6526. The source notes an overall length of approximately 16.0 cm.

Front view of the Art Deco gem-set cocktail watch on black cord strap
Front view of the Art Deco gem-set cocktail watch on black cord strap — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Wristwatch · Cocktail watch
Maker / attribution
Georges Thibault
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
224
Source-reported date
circa 1925
Country
France
Source-reported serial
6526

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Case Setting

The watch features a square dial with black Arabic numerals and blue steel hands. The dial opening is set within an elongated oval bezel framed with single-cut diamonds and buff-top rubies arranged above and below.

The bezel connects to articulated lugs set with onyx and diamonds. According to the auction catalogue, the overall length measures approximately 16.0 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “square dial with black Arabic numerals and blue steel hands”
  • “bezel set with single-cut diamonds and buff-top rubies, the lugs set with onyx and diamonds”
  • “length approximately 16.0cm”

Mounting and Clasp Attribution

The timepiece is fitted to a diamond-set black cord strap. The strap is fastened by a clasp decorated with black enamel.

The catalogue states that the clasp carries French assay marks, the maker's mark for Georges Thibault, and the stamped number 6526. The auctioneer dates the watch to circa 1925.

Evidence for this section
  • “on a diamond-set black cord strap, the clasp with black enamel decoration”
  • “clasp with maker's mark for Georges Thibault and numbered 6526”
  • “French assay marks”
  • “CIRCA 1925”

Documentation and Mechanical Limitations

The cataloguing contains no technical data concerning the movement, its caliber, escapement, or mechanical functionality. Neither the interior case back nor the movement is visible in the provided lot image.

Additionally, while French assay hallmarks, the maker's mark for Georges Thibault, and the number 6526 are catalogued on the clasp, these punch marks are not visible in the supplied photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “French assay marks”
  • “clasp with maker's mark for Georges Thibault and numbered 6526”

Open research questions

  • What specific French assay mark is struck on the clasp to identify the precious metal composition?
  • What movement caliber is fitted within the case, and does it carry a movement maker or retailer signature?
  • Does the number 6526 represent a Georges Thibault workshop inventory number or a retailer order number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Art Deco Gem-Set Cocktail Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1925“CIRCA 1925”
Dial and HandsSquare dial with black Arabic numerals and blue steel hands“square dial with black Arabic numerals and blue steel hands”
Gem-settingSingle-cut diamonds, buff-top rubies, and onyx“bezel set with single-cut diamonds and buff-top rubies, the lugs set with onyx and diamonds”
Strap and ClaspDiamond-set black cord strap with black enamel decoration on clasp“on a diamond-set black cord strap, the clasp with black enamel decoration”
Maker's MarkGeorges Thibault“clasp with maker's mark for Georges Thibault”
Assay MarksFrench assay marks“French assay marks”
LengthApproximately 16.0 cm“length approximately 16.0cm”
Clasp Number6526“numbered 6526”

Visible details

  • Square inner dial housed inside an elongated oval diamond-set bezel frame.
  • Buff-top calibrated red rubies positioned in semicircular arrangements above and below the dial.
  • Black cord strap fitted with diamond-set slides and connected to onyx- and diamond-set lugs.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and interior case back are not shown or described.
  • Clasp, French assay marks, and Georges Thibault maker's mark are not visible in the supplied photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ART DECO GEM-SET COCKTAIL WATCH, CIRCA 1925The square dial with black Arabic numerals and blue st

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 68d2a29426

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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