Luxury maisons like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Piaget, and Audemars Piguet crafted exquisite brooch watches, merging haute horlogerie with fine jewelry. Many were adorned with gold, enamel, diamonds, and intricate engravings, making them both practical and decorative. Some models, known as “secret watches,” cleverly concealed the dial behind a gemstone-studded cover, transforming them into elegant jewels.
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The quirky backstory of Brooch watches
de @watches_and_culture
Before wristwatches became mainstream, brooch watches were a refined way to keep time. Worn by aristocrats, professionals, and fashion-conscious individuals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these timepieces were pinned onto clothing, often featuring an inverted dial for easy reading.
Did you know? Piaget and AP specialized in ultra-thin movements, allowing for lightweight and delicate designs, while Rolex and Tudor ensured their brooch watches maintained the precision and robustness of their wristwatches.
Today, brooch watches have become rare collector’s pieces, as few brands still produce them. The majority of these vintage treasures are now found at auction houses, where they continue to attract enthusiasts fascinated by the blend of watchmaking and jewelry artistry.
Would you add one to your collection?