From the 1920s through the 1960s, small ladies’ ‘cocktail’ watches were all the rage.

These timepieces — thin, and often in precious metals with matching bracelets — were unobtrusive and elegant, with diminutive dials and mechanical movements whose small size is notable even today. (The famed Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 is still the world’s smallest mechanical movement, and has held this distinction since 1929.) Though no longer widely produced, this type of ladies’ timepiece remains the perfect accessory to a cocktail dress or evening gown.

This particular cocktail watch from circa the late 1930s was retailed by none other than famed American jeweler Tiffany & Co. Housed in an 18mm, round platinum case with an acrylic crystal, and a diamond-encrusted bezel, it features a patinated, white dial with painted black Art Deco-style ‘Arabic’ indices, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, and a blued steel ‘kite’ handset. 

Powered by a hand-wound Caliber 911 movement from Hamilton Watch Co, it comes paired to a black cord strap with a platinum safety clasp, and features a caseback engraving dating to 1940.

Light, diminutive, and beautiful, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a formal evening on the town.

Try it on for size!