December 6, 2025

Top 5 Watches Art Deco

In 1925, the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris officially established a new style, soon known as’Art Deco, made of precise geometries, luxurious materials and a confident modernityA hundred years later, this aesthetic continues to inspire both museums and watchmaking houses, which reinvent its lines on... watches Some of them have become true popular icons. The time has truly come to wear this century of history… on your wrist.

5) Boucheron Reflet, understated elegance

Born in 1947, there Reflection It arrived in a post-war context where there was a dream of understated modernity, while remaining faithful to the jewelry tradition of Place Vendôme. slightly curved rectangular caseAdorned with vertical fluting that captures the light, it evokes both the classical architecture of the square and the structured lines of theArt Deco.

Aesthetically, the Reflet opts for discretion: a clean dial, slim hour markers or minimalist numerals, often combined with a compact size that fits under any shirt cuff. The patented fastening system, with clasp "invisible" Integrated into the case and easily interchangeable straps, it is adaptable for everyday use, which reinforces its status as jewelry watch more than just a technical instrument.

In terms of popularity, the Reflet remains an icon, especially in Paris and "connoisseur" : highly sought after in second-hand, particularly in its steel versions with sapphire cabochons, it appeals to those who want a watch Art Deco subtle, far removed from the models seen everywhere. It's also one of the few watches that were truly unisex from the outset, designed to be worn by both women and men, which is contributing to its resurgence in the vintage market today.

4) Longines DolceVita, the accessible classic

Introduced in 1997the collection DolceVita pays homage to a 1920s Longines watch while associating it with the idea of Italian "dolce vita", between nonchalant elegance and Riviera spiritThe visual signature remains the rectangular case with softened angles, echoing the volumes of the watches. Art Deco while making them less austere and easier to wear on a daily basis.

Longines presents a new version of Dolce Vita, almost of about a hundred variations Steel, two-tone, or gold, with quartz or automatic movements, simple dials or diamond-set dials. This abundance of options covers a wide range of prices and audiences, from the first "nice watch" bought in a jewelry store to the more formal piece selected by... enthusiasts sensitive to the heritage of the 1920s-1930s.

The popularity of Dolce Vita rests on three pillars: a design that is immediately legible as "Art Deco modern", A price point well below that of the major prestige manufacturers, and massive global distribution. The result: for many, it's their first encounter with a rectangular, stylish watch. Art Deco, an ideal compromise between the look of a luxury watch and affordability.

3) Patek Philippe Gondolo, the rare jewel of theArt Deco

At Patek Philippe, the collection Gondolo includes all "Shaped" watches which break away from the traditional round case, assuming a direct link with the creations Art Deco of the Maison. Elongated rectangles, cushion-shaped cases, or sharp-angled barrelsrailway timer dials and Breguet figures Or Art Deco : every detail recalls the pieces produced for South American customers at the beginning of the 20th century, from which the collection takes its name.

Technically, the Gondolos incorporate mechanical movements Patek of high quality, often handcrafted, in gold or gold cases platinum, sometimes delicately set. This combination of strong geometric shapes, extreme finishes and limited distribution makes it more watches closely related to fine jewelry and watchmaking than an everyday watch.

In terms of popularity, the Gondolo is a niche star: very present at auctions, frequently cited in collectors' selections, but much less visible on the wrist of the general public than the Nautilus or the Calatrava. It is precisely this rarity, coupled with a style Art Deco particularly pure, which in fact a "holy grail" for lovers of shaped watches, often sought after as the ultimate dress piece.

2) Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the ingenious double-faced watch

Founded in 1931 for British polo players based in India, the Reverso It responded to a very specific set of requirements: protecting the glass from impacts while allowing the case to rotate on itself. From this constraint emerged an original design: an elongated rectangle framed by horizontal gadroons, a clean dial, and numerals. Art Deco and integrated handles, which over time became one of the strongest symbols of the aesthetics of the 1930s.

Beyond the classic model, Jaeger-LeCoultre has progressively developed an entire universe From simple two-hand watches to Reverso models with complications (tourbillon, calendar, dual time), not forgetting the double-dial versions that fully exploit the idea of a "double face". Maison It also plays a lot on sizes, dial colors and limited editions, which allows the Reverso to appeal to both purists and new buyers.

In terms of popularity, the Reverso is today one of the two most recognizable rectangles on the market, often seen as The dress watch Art Deco male par excellence. Its strong presence in watchmaking culture, specialist media and retailers' windows makes it a recurring choice for those who want a piece that is historical, technical and immediately identifiable.

1) Cartier Tank, the timeless icon of “tanks”

Sketched in 1917 and marketed in the early 1920s, the Tank draws its inspiration from the aerial view of Renault tanks of the First World War, including Cartier transposes the caterpillars into two parallel shafts framing the dial. This pure architecture, enhanced by Roman numerals, a railway track, blue hands, and a crown set with a cabochon, fits perfectly within the golden age of theArt Deco where triumph geometric lines and luxurious simplicity.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Cartier is experiencing a true period of creative grace, and the Tank It quickly became one of its emblems, on par with its most famous jewelry. The successive variations - Tank Louis Cartier, Tank American, Tank Française, Tank Must, Tank Normal reissued - have made it possible to reach all generations and all budgets, from the quartz steel model to the high-quality mechanical gold piece.

The popularity of Tank extends far beyond the circle of watch enthusiasts: championed by artists, writers, actors, and heads of state over the decades, she became a a cultural symbol as much as a timepiece. In the collective imagination, when we think "watch Art Deco rectangular", it is often the Tank which comes first, which fully justifies its number one status in this top in terms of notoriety, desirability and market presence, both new and vintage.