A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, the brooch cleverly conceals a miniature manual-wind watch inside the diamond-set door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between fine horology and whimsical mid-century jewellery.
The concept – a thief cracking open a gem-set vault that hides a working timepiece – is a witty play on the idea of "stealing time." It reflects the post-war fascination with gadgetry, surrealism, and conversation-piece jewels, and is thematically aligned with the bold narrative-driven creations of Henry Dunay, David Webb, and Arthur King.
Dimensions -
Length: 4.8 cm
Height: 3.5 cm
Weight: 30 g
Specifications:
Origin: American or European
Period: Circa 1960s
Metal: 18kt yellow gold with white gold accents
Mechanism: Integrated manual-wind watch within safe door
Gemstone Details:
Diamonds:
Quantity: 5
Cut: Round brilliant and baguette
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.16 ct.
Colour: G–H
Clarity: VS1
Rubies:
Quantity: 4
Cut: Square
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.08 ct.
Treatment: Not indicated
Sapphires:
Quantity: 6
Cut: Square
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.12 ct.
Treatment: Not indicated
Condition Report -
Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of use. The mechanical watch winds smoothly and functions correctly, though timekeeping has not been tested.
A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, the brooch cleverly conceals a miniature manual-wind watch inside the diamond-set door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between fine horology and whimsical mid-century jewellery.
The concept – a thief cracking open a gem-set vault that hides a working timepiece – is a witty play on the idea of "stealing time." It reflects the post-war fascination with gadgetry, surrealism, and conversation-piece jewels, and is thematically aligned with the bold narrative-driven creations of Henry Dunay, David Webb, and Arthur King.
Dimensions -
Length: 4.8 cm
Height: 3.5 cm
Weight: 30 g
Specifications:
Origin: American or European
Period: Circa 1960s
Metal: 18kt yellow gold with white gold accents
Mechanism: Integrated manual-wind watch within safe door
Gemstone Details:
Diamonds:
Quantity: 5
Cut: Round brilliant and baguette
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.16 ct.
Colour: G–H
Clarity: VS1
Rubies:
Quantity: 4
Cut: Square
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.08 ct.
Treatment: Not indicated
Sapphires:
Quantity: 6
Cut: Square
Total Carat Weight: Approx. 0.12 ct.
Treatment: Not indicated
Condition Report -
Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of use. The mechanical watch winds smoothly and functions correctly, though timekeeping has not been tested.
