Juvenia Art Deco Swiss Galalith Sterling Silver Purse Watch

Art Deco Swiss travel purse watch dating to the 1920s–early 1930s. The exterior case is crafted in a green galalith-style material. Galalith, an early semi-synthetic material developed in the late 19th century from casein (milk protein) and formaldehyde, was widely used during the Art Deco era for luxury accessories because it could be polished, carved, and dyed to imitate natural stones such as jade or malachite. The exterior of this watch is crafted in green galalith, showcasing the mottled color and smooth finish characteristic of the material’s high-quality production.

The hinged lid opens to reveal a gilded sterling silver interior stamped “Fab. Suisse,” “Modèle Déposé,” “Argentor,” “Sterling Silver,” and the serial number 11668. The interior is also stamped “Juvenia Mfd Swiss,” indicating that the watch movement was manufactured by Juvenia, a respected Swiss watchmaker founded in 1860 and known for producing high-quality small movements and decorative Art Deco timepieces. This type of collaboration, an accessory case made by one workshop and fitted with a Swiss movement, was typical of purse watches from the era.

The dial features hand-painted floral decoration, stylized Arabic numerals, and blued-steel hands, all characteristic of 1920s Art Deco design. When opened, the case allows the watch to stand upright for bedside or travel use, as was customary for ladies’ travel and purse watches of the period.

The watch weighs 32.4 grams and measures 1/2 inch high × 1 3/8 inches wide × 3/4 inch long when closed.

All watches will be serviced before shipping and have a 1 year warranty.