René Lalique Art Nouveau Enamel and 18K Gold "Marguerite" Pendant Watch

Created circa 1901-1902, this Art Nouveau "Marguerite" pendant watch by René Lalique is composed of 18K gold and enamel. The case is designed with white opaque champlevé enamel marguerites (oxeye daisies) with chased centers in various stages of blossoming, blooming and withering on swirling gold vines against a transparent blue green enamel ground, the reverse with chased leafy vines and confirming enamel ground, opening to a white porcelain enamel dial with Arabic numerals signed by E. Thomas, containing a jeweled movement, interior cover inscribed "Marcelle 15 Mai 1902." This beautifully enameled watch is one a group produced by Lalique in 1901, and was likely displayed among the jewels in his case at L'Esplanade des Invalides, where they were seen and celebrated by "Art et Décoration" as embodying "the splendor of the useful".

Item #: W-21380
Artist: René Lalique
Country: France
Circa: 1901-1902
Dimensions: 1.75" length, 1.25" width.
Materials: 18K Gold; Enamel
Signed: Case signed LALIQUE, dial signed E. Thomas, inscribed May 1902
Literature: A group of chased gold and enamel watches from 1901 is documented in Sigrid Barten's catalogue raisonné of the jewelry of Lalique, p. 49. Lalique's exhibition of watches at l'Esplanade des Invalides is described at length in Art et Décoration, 1901, vol. 1, pp.37-40.