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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco Pendant Watch

Partially verified

This Art Deco pendant watch features a rectangular white dial with Arabic numerals and is powered by a movement by Charles-Henri Meylan. The case is constructed from platinum and features decorative millegrain detailing, a triangular bail, and a crown. The watch is embellished with diamonds and calibré cut sapphires in a geometric arrangement. The pendant measures 2 inches in length, and it is accompanied by a 24-inch chain. The watch casing features an engraved border and the initials 'M.S.W.' on the case back. The movement was supplied by C.H. Meylan, a watchmaker who worked in both Europe and America. This object reflects design elements associated with the 1920s and 1930s, particularly the use of symmetric and geometric forms in jewelry and timekeeping instruments of that era.

Front view of the Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco pendant watch, showcasing the sapphire and diamond-set case and rectangular dial.
Front view of the Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco pendant watch, showcasing the sapphire and diamond-set case and rectangular dial. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Tiffany & Co.; C.H. Meylan
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1920-30s
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Design and Construction

The pendant watch is designed in the Art Deco style, featuring a rectangular platinum case. The dial is white and displays stylized Arabic numerals. The case construction incorporates decorative millegrain detailing, which provides texture to the platinum surfaces. A prominent triangular bail sits at the top of the watch, which serves as the connection point for the 24-inch chain.

The bezel of the watch is set with diamonds and calibré cut sapphires, creating a geometric border around the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The rectangular dial shows exploding Arabic numerals in a bold Art Deco style, while the surrounding case is set with diamonds and calibré cut sapphires.”
  • “The platinum mount displays millegrain detailing and a striking triangular bail and crown, reflecting the period’s love of symmetry, geometry and refined luxury.”

Movement and Maker

The timekeeping mechanism is a movement manufactured by Charles-Henri Meylan. Meylan was a watchmaker recognized for his technical contributions to the industry, with a professional history spanning both Europe and America. He was known for supplying movements to several jewelry and watchmaking houses, including Tiffany & Co., as well as Dent and Frodsham.

Meylan's work included advancements in the development of chronograph mechanisms, which were acknowledged during his career at the time of the American World's Fairs. His collaboration with Tiffany & Co. integrated his specialized horological movements into high-end decorative pieces of the early 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powering this remarkable timepiece is a movement by Charles-Henri Meylan, one of the most esteemed watchmakers of his era.”
  • “Meylan, active in both Europe and America, was renowned for his technical skill and innovation, supplying movements to Tiffany & Co., Frodsham and Dent, and earning honors at America’s first World’s Fair for his advancements in chronograph design.”

Case Back and Dimensions

The reverse side of the pendant case features an engraved border pattern consistent with the decorative style applied to the front of the watch. Centered on the case back are the engraved initials 'M.S.W.' which suggest a potential original owner or historical provenance associated with the object.

The object is scaled as a pendant, with the watch unit measuring 2 inches in total length. It is intended to be worn as a pendant on the provided 24-inch chain, maintaining the utility of a timekeeper within a decorative jewelry format.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pendant: 2" length”
  • “Chain: 24" length”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific horological caliber of the C.H. Meylan movement used in this piece?
  • What is the historical significance of the initials 'M.S.W.' engraved on the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco Pendant Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan“Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco Pendant Watch”
Case MaterialPlatinum“Platinum”
Datecirca 1920-30s“1920-30s”
Pendant length2 inches“Pendant: 2" length”
Chain length24 inches“Chain: 24" length”
Movement makerCharles-Henri Meylan“Powering this remarkable timepiece is a movement by Charles-Henri Meylan”

Visible details

  • Rectangular case with diamond and sapphire set border
  • Triangular shaped bail
  • Engraved initials 'M.S.W.' on the case back
  • Millegrain detailing on the platinum mount

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacture date is unspecified beyond the 1920-30s range
  • The origin of the case manufacturer is not explicitly identified

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

Consulted source

ساعت آویز آرت دکو Tiffany & Co. با موتور C.H. Meylan

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9a7955bd48

Terms in this record

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

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