A watch for someone who had absolutely no interest in being discreet. Turn it one way and it is a proper little timepiece, with an elegant white dial and delicate hands. Turn it over and the watch all but disappears beneath a glorious pavement of creamy seed pearls punctuated by flashes of ruby. It was practical, technically, but practicality was clearly not the point.

Made in about 1890, this Victorian pendant watch is crafted in 18 karat gold and set across its reverse and around its face with 109 pearls measuring from 1 to 2.5 millimeters, interspersed with 44 rubies measuring 1.5 millimeters each. The white dial has black numerals with a red twelve and is surrounded by a border of seed pearls. The watch measures 34.2 millimeters high by 22.6 millimeters across by 10.8 millimeters deep and weighs 12.76 grams. The interior is hallmarked “18K” with an angel mark and the number “8558.” The watch is shown suspended from a chain for scale and is not included.

There are watches that tell time, and then there are watches worth looking at even when you have nowhere at all to be.

I offer free layaway on most items purchased for full retail price, please inquire if you are interested in setting up a layaway. We ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.

I always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations.

Item id: WHA27382VA