Tavannes Hidden Wrist Watch from 1920s

Around 1926, Tavannes was presented with a challenge. The man who would eventually be crowned king Edward VIII of England (yes, the one who gave up the throne to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson) commissioned Tavannes to make him a custom watch that could be worn as a belt buckle while playing golf. With a discreet press of a small butt on, the watch porti on of the buckle would fl ip open at an approximate 90 degree angle to its case. In this position, the time could be read.

Thanks to this design innovation, Tavannes laid the groundwork for creating hidden watches — a concept that would later evolve into the famous purse watch “La Captive” in 1930, developed to compete with Movado’s Hermeto, which had been introduced a year earlier at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.

The mechanics within this early “Hidden Wrist Watch” are delicate and somewhat impractical, as bringing the watch out of its compartment to wind it is rather cumbersome. Nevertheless, it remains an exceptionally beautiful piece — industrial yet undeniably chic for its time. The diamond set on the top right corner adds a touch of elegance to the design, while its fully brushed finish is among the most impressive and best-preserved I have ever encountered.

Watch movement has been serviced in our workshop, dial is original and unrestored Two Tone with Breguet Hands. Watch size is 23x36mm, made of solid 18k gold.