A highly unusual unbranded watch, of flying saucer style. Unmistakably Art Deco design.

Dating to the early 1930s, this is a UFO / Disco Volante watch, which has an impressive case diameter of 42mm. The dial is silver, of sector style with a shine to the outer section. The sub-second dial is inset and adds to the balance of the overall design.

The case is of a tri-stepped design, with the main watch head measuring 28.5mm, with the outer stepped disc taking up the remaining diameter. The flat, saucer thin design sits neat to the wrist, with a slim depth of 8.5mm. The lugs are cut into the case, as opposed to hidden behind in the usual Disco Volante style. To the right-hand side there is a cut out for the crown, allowing the disc to remain un-broken and protect the crown. It is a 3-piece case with snap on bezel and case back. The inside of the case back is signed ‘Nickel Chromin’.

The movement is an FHF 30 manual wind calibre which is functioning well, keeping time to within + 3 minutes a day. It has an amplitude of 220 degrees.

This is unusual in its design due to its pre-dating of the 1950s ‘Disco Volante’ design applied to watches. This is a unique design, with the inspiration likely coming from pendant or fob watches of Art Deco design, with circular sector cases. It is likely a unique piece, customised during the period for someone to enjoy.

The closest examples from the Art Deco period are by Omega, the reference CK2013 and Longines, the Ref 4157.

A very interesting Art Deco piece de unique.

Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.

Dial:

The dial is original and is in good condition for the age. The silver satin finish is good, as is the shine to the outer sector. The hour markers and signing are clear.

Hands:

The hands are original. They are of Plume style and are thermally blued. They are in good original condition with no corrosion.

Glass:

The crystal is a replacement and is in perfect condition.

Crown:

The crown is original and is stainless steel.

Case:

The chrome plated case is original. It has brassing, with the chrome plate having worn and the gold from the brass below showing through in some areas. It has light surface scratching.

Caseback:

The case back is formed of chrome plated nickel and is in decent condition. It maintains its original circular grained sunburst finish. It has light surface scratching and some wear to the chrome plating.

Strap:

The watch is on a new 12mm Hirsch Diamond calf leather strap.

Movement:

It is an early FHF calibre 30 which is manual wind, with a jewel count of 15. It has a power reserve of 40 hours. It dates to the early 1930s.

The movement service history is unknown. It is currently keeping time to within + 3 minutes a day with an amplitude of 220 degrees.

Case dimensions:

Case width: 42mm

Central case width: 28.5mm

Case length: 42mm

Case Depth: 8.5mm

Lug width: 12.5mm