Art Deco Watches That Celebrate Timeless Style

Did you know that World Art Deco Day is celebrated each year on April 28? If you love this iconic style, this global day of recognition is the perfect excuse to break out your Art Deco inspired clothing, accessories, and watches. Maybe you can even plan a pilgrimage to visit the best Art Deco buildings in the world (according to Architectural Digest, anyway)!

This year, we’re celebrating World Art Deco Day by taking a journey through our favorite Art Deco inspired watches. Whether they hail from the era of Art Deco design or simply take inspiration from this elegant theme, these timepieces are sure to elevate your watch collection to new heights.

What Is Art Deco Style? 

The term “Art Deco” refers to a design movement that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco was primarily characterized by sleek, geometric shapes, richly saturated colors, and luxe materials. You’ll see symmetry, balance, and order in Art Deco stylings, accented by stylized geometric ornamentation and streamlined, modern looks. Glamour and sophistication were paramount to the Art Deco mindset. The perfect example? New York City’s Chrysler Building, which was completed in 1930 and still reigns supreme as one of the most iconic Art Deco masterpieces on any city skyline.

The Art Deco movement extended to everything from architecture and interior design to fashion, accessories, and jewelry… and luxury watches, of course! Art Deco was first seen in Paris prior to WWI, but came to flourish in the United States over the subsequent decades. When you think of Art Deco, you might think of The Great Gatsby (whether you are imagining the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald novel or the 2013 Baz Luhrmann film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the effect is the same).

Associated with the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, Gatsby’s mansion is decked out in bold, geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and upscale materials. Shiny metals were popular at the time, and sequins and sparkles were prevalent as well. The Art Deco period was a time of post-war celebration, consumption, and revelry. Think black-tie galas, lavish burgundy carpets, and general overabundance.

Want to integrate some of the spirit of Art Deco into your own modern life? Who wouldn’t?! You’re in luck, because Avi & Co. has an incredible selection of Art Deco inspired timepieces available online or in any of our three boutique locations today. Let’s take a closer look at the distinctive and attractive watches of the Art Deco period…

Watch Trends in the Art Deco Period

So what did watches look like in the Art Deco period? Well, the emphasis on geometric shapes that we see in the Chrysler Building and other architectural marvels extended to jewelry and watches as well. You’ll often see square or rectangular dials from this period that are adorned with eye-catching elements on the dial or bezel for an extra touch of sparkle.

In addition to angular cases, tonneau-shaped cases were popular with industry stalwarts like Rolex during this period, and we also saw an influx of watches with integrated bracelets. Anything with a little bit of extra flair of a bold pop of color also evokes some of the principles of Art Deco… plus, you get bonus points for shiny metals paired with rich hues.

Our Favorite Art Deco Inspired Watches: Wear Art on Your Wrist

Want to embrace Art Deco trends with a modern-day watch that has all of the functionality, comfort, and versatility you need? Check out some of these top picks that have stood the test of time for nearly a century since the Art Deco period fizzled out during WWII.

When we talk about Art Deco watches, Patek Philippe is probably the watchmaker that most commonly comes to mind. This Swiss powerhouse has been in business since 1839 and has mastered the art of creating timeless pieces that transcend fleeting fads. Watches like the Gondolo collection evoke another era, one where glamour and opulence were the first priorities… Yet these timepieces remain desirable and coveted by collectors today.

For a true Art Deco look, we love the rectangular dial of this 18K rose gold Gondolo, which offers a manual-winding movement and an exceptional 10-day power reserve. This limited edition watch has a substantial 46 mm case, which renders it a statement piece ideal for celebrating World Art Deco Day. With its chic brown leather strap and geometric, angular stylings on either side of the case, this Gondolo is a genuine Art Deco masterpiece.

French watchmaker Cartier is another noteworthy contender when it comes to Art Deco inspired watches. Both the Cartier Tank and the Cartier Santos display elegant, angular faces with bold details that perfectly encapsulate Art Deco style.

This Cartier Santos 100 is somewhat more rugged than your traditional Art Deco watch – but the angular dial and the bracelet integration makes it stand out as a timely choice. The Roman numerals on the dial pop in a lively shade of vermillion, and the look is completed by Cartier’s classic blue sword-shaped hands… it wouldn’t be a Cartier watch without them! This elegant watch transcends classification as a piece that might just be the center of your collection.

The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 line was unveiled in 1999 and was the brand’s first line made exclusively for women. The idea was to present petite, wearable timepieces that women could actually afford for themselves. Available in both circular and rectangular case shapes, this watch is a gorgeous testament to the versatility and innovation of Patek Philippe. The rectangular option evokes Art Deco elements in its clean lines and richly colored dials – plus, the line of pave diamonds on either side of the face adds a little bit of extra luxury and sparkle.

Many people would argue that the Cartier Tank is the quintessential Art Deco watch – and with its geometric shape and symmetrical lines, we can’t help but agree. However, we also love the Cartier Tank à Guichet, a masterpiece that the brand released at the 2025 Watches and Wonders event in Switzerland. Its name means “ticket window,” and you can catch a glimpse of the time through the two small windows in the watch’s otherwise covered face. This unusual and attractive watch exudes old world elegance at every turn, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter wherever you wear it.

Though it is more commonly associated with the Bauhaus period, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is still an excellent timepiece for anyone looking to harness the glamour of the 1920s. If you prefer a round dial rather than a square or angular one, you’ll love the look of this gorgeous and timeless watch, which was a favorite of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the quintessential dress watch and is still created in many precious metals. To truly evoke an Art Deco aesthetic, opt for a leather strap rather than a metal bracelet – watches with leather straps were (and sometimes still are) considered dressier. In other words, you’ll be fit to attend a gala at Gatsby’s mansion in this premier timepiece.

Embrace the Styles of Your Favorite Era at Avi & Co. 

Whether or not you are an Art Deco devotee, Avi & Co. has timeless watches in every style you can imagine. We specialize in sourcing pieces from renowned global brands like Richard Mille, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe – plus we also have our own lines of Avi & Co. branded watches as well as a collection of fine diamond jewelry the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else. At Avi & Co., building lasting relationships with our customers is our top priority, and you can count on unmatched service and dedication to finding you the watch of your dreams.

Are you ready to take your watch collection to the next level? Schedule an appointment today to visit us in person. We can’t wait to meet you!