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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau wristwatch

C.H. Meylan for Black Starr & Frost Art Deco Wristwatch

Partially verified

This tonneau-shaped Art Deco wristwatch features a movement produced by Swiss watchmaker C.H. Meylan, retailed by American jewelers Black Starr & Frost and dated by the source to circa 1920. The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 47 mm in length lug to lug by 25 mm in width. It features a silvered dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and an inner railway minute track, signed 'BLACK STARR & FROST'. According to the seller, the timepiece is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement adjusted to five positions, bearing movement number 26374 and case number 202747.

Front view of C.H. Meylan for Black Starr & Frost 18K yellow gold tonneau wristwatch
Front view of C.H. Meylan for Black Starr & Frost 18K yellow gold tonneau wristwatch — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau wristwatch
Maker / attribution
C.H. Meylan
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SSHO 991
Source-reported date
Circa 1920
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
202747

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

Case and Exterior Construction

The wristwatch features a tonneau-shaped case made of 18K yellow gold, measuring 47 mm in length lug to lug and 25 mm in width. A knurled winding crown is located at the 3 o'clock position.

The watch is fitted with a dark brown textured leather strap. Internal case hallmarks are not recorded in the provided source imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “tonneau-shaped case fashioned from lustrous 18K yellow gold”
  • “47mm length lug to lug 25mm width lug to lug”
  • “Knurled winding crown positioned at 3 o'clock”

Dial Composition

The silvered dial bears the signature 'BLACK STARR & FROST' below the 12 o'clock position. It features black kiln-fired Roman numerals and blued steel central hands.

The dial includes an inner minute railway track. The source describes the dial as original.

Evidence for this section
  • “original silvered dial”
  • “black kiln-fired Roman numerals”
  • “Dial signed 'BLACK STARR & FROST' below the 12 o'clock position”

Mechanical Specifications

The timepiece is reported to house a 17-jewel manual-wind movement by C.H. Meylan, adjusted to five positions. The movement is identified by the source as serial number 26374.

The movement is not visible in the provided source imagery, and mechanical claims rely on seller reporting. The item is identified by case serial number 202747 and is dated to circa 1920.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 17-jewel manual wind movement powers this timepiece, adjusted to 5 positions.”
  • “Movement# 26374”
  • “Case# 202747”
  • “Circa 1920”

Open research questions

  • Are there records for C.H. Meylan movement serial 26374 to verify the reported specifications?
  • Do internal case hallmarks verify the 18K gold composition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for C.H. Meylan for Black Starr & Frost Art Deco Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerC.H. Meylan“Swiss Movement By C.H. Meylan”
RetailerBlack Starr & Frost“Retailed By Black Starr & Frost”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K Yellow Gold Case”
Dimensions47 mm length lug to lug, 25 mm width lug to lug“47mm length lug to lug 25mm width lug to lug”
Movement Number26374“Movement# 26374”
Case Number202747“Case# 202747”
Jewel Count and Adjustments17 jewels, adjusted to 5 positions“A 17-jewel manual wind movement powers this timepiece, adjusted to 5 positions.”
RetailerBlack Starr & Frost“Retailed By Black Starr & Frost”
Restoration StatusRestored“bears a complete restoration”

Visible details

  • Tonneau-form yellow gold case with curved sides and straight lugs
  • Knurled winding crown positioned at 3 o'clock
  • Silvered dial with elongated black Roman numerals and an inner minute railway track
  • Blued steel central hands
  • Dial signed 'BLACK STARR & FROST' below the 12 o'clock position
  • Dark brown textured leather strap fitted to the lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; jewel count, adjustments, and movement serial rely on seller report
  • Case back and internal hallmarks are not shown in the photograph

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

Consulted source

Art Deco Era Wristwatch by C.H. Meylan for Black Starr & Frost - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record e7fdef16e1

Terms in this record

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

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