Monte Dress Watch 14k White Gold, XS, 3.085 carat diamond

This Monte dress watch is less of a traditional wristwatch and much more of a small piece of jewellery that happens to tell the time. Dating to circa 1960 and measuring just 17 mm, it has all the charm of a mid-century ladies’ cocktail watch, with a beautifully decorative presence on the wrist. Here at AWCO we think the magic is in the way this little watch catches the light. The 14k white gold case and bracelet are set with diamonds, adding up to 3.085 carats in total, giving the piece a lovely sparkle from almost every angle. The design is elegant and playful at the same time, with curved diamond-set links flowing into the small round case. The silver dial keeps things wonderfully delicate. It features small applied hour markers, slim gold-tone hands and the Monte signature at twelve. Below the centre, the dial is marked “17 Rubis”, a charming detail that reminds us we are still looking at a mechanical watch, not just a jewel. The acrylic crystal adds a soft vintage warmth over the dial. Inside is a hand-wound movement, very much in keeping with the intimate character of a watch like this. Winding it becomes part of the ritual, a small daily gesture that suits the piece beautifully. The watch is completed by its 14k white gold bracelet, making it feel complete as a jewel as well as a timekeeper. A graceful little vintage dress watch with real sparkle, lovely proportions and a wonderfully elegant mid-century feel. Not a watch that tries to be practical in the modern sense, but one that brings charm, craft and occasion to the wrist. Come see it for yourself at Reestraat 3, Amsterdam.