For sale we have an exceptional piece of Art Deco design from the 1920s by Juvenia. This Juvenia travel or bag watch was sold under their Le Trianon line and is an elegant design with many touches of the highest quality. The sterling silver case is enamelled with Greek key design to the exterior and black panels to the front. To the rear is a max of black panels to the exterior with light blue and black striping to the centre. The case hinges on its outer frame allowing it to be used as a standing watch when on a desk or surface whilst travelling. The crown is silver and has a floral shape and engraving. The face is white with black framing and gold signing and Arabic numerals. It is a very well designed and executed dial. Inside is a high quality 15 jewel movement marked with two adjustments. It has been recently serviced.
This is a very uncommon design, with only one other example for sale within recent years. Hang this proudly on a chain, carry in a purse or pocket, or prop up on a desk with this charming art deco design.
The inside of the case has the bear marking for Swiss silver and is signed ‘Juvenia MFG. Swiss, 925 Sterling Silver, Fab Suisse, Argent Dore, Modele Depose’. It is a petite size at 28mm wide by 35mm in length without loop.
Juvenia were particularly adept at spearheading the latest fashion in their designs. In the early 1920s, Juvenia developed a variety of innovative designs such as ring watches, pendant watches, table clocks and standing clocks. These were the ideal medium for craftsmen to let their imaginations run wild and create richly decorated pieces. Such was the success of pieces, Juvenia were rewarded at the Grand Prix des Arts Decoratifs de Paris in 1925.
From the 1920s up to the mid 1930s Juvenia used the popular Art Deco style to inspire their newest collection, Juvenia Sport. Alongside this range, Juvenia created other pocket, bag, or travel pieces. An article in the 1930 edition of the Journel Suisse d’Horlogerie highlighted that “Juvenia has succeeded in popularizing pocket watches and bag watches for men as well as women.”
The name Le Trianon, relates to the French theatre and music hall in Paris. The venue was called Le Trianon since 1920, originally being called Trianon-Concert. The theatre was one of Paris’ first music halls and hosted many famous names and stars.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in very good condition for the age. It has no marking or obvious discolouration. It has slight wear to the Le Trianon text.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are of Breguet style in a gold tone. They are in good condition with no marking.
Glass:
The crystal is an acrylic is original and is in good condition. It has some light marking.
Crown:
The crown is original with flower design.
Loop:
The loop is original in silver. It has some marking with age and the hinged section has been soldered solid on either side. The loop is therefore no longer flexible.
Case:
The case is formed of silver and consists of a swivelling outer frame, with inner section holding the dial and movement. It swivels as it should, acting as a stand for placing on a table or desk. The enamel work to the case has some slight wear but is good for the age.
Caseback:
The case back is in good condition. It is formed of silver and has light surface scratching and tarnishing as expected with ageing. The enamel work is good with only slight wear to edges.
Inside of case back:
The inside of the case back has Swiss hallmarking and clear signing for Sterling Silver.
Movement:
The movement is a specific top wind configuration. It has a jewel count of 15 and has a high standard of finishing and unusual and appealing bridge designs.
The movement has been recently serviced by ourselves. It keeps time to within -100 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 200 and a beat error of 2.5m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 28mm
Case length: 33.3mm
Case length with crown: 34.5mm
Case length with loop: 40.5mm
Case Depth: 8.75mm