18kt Gold & Gem-Set Mechanical “Stealing Time” Brooch Watch C.1960s
A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time — literally. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, this unique lapel brooch cleverly conceals a miniature mechanical watch inside the door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between high horology and witty mid-century design.
A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time — literally. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, this unique lapel brooch cleverly conceals a miniature mechanical watch inside the door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between high horology and witty mid-century design.
A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time — literally. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, this unique lapel brooch cleverly conceals a miniature mechanical watch inside the door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between high horology and witty mid-century design.
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A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time — literally. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, this unique lapel brooch cleverly conceals a miniature mechanical watch inside the door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between high horology and witty mid-century design.
The piece is thought to be an American creation, possibly linked to whimsical jewellery ateliers such as Henry Dunay or David Webb, who were known for narrative-driven, figural designs of the post-war era. It’s also thematically aligned with pieces made in the spirit of Arthur King and other bold designers of the 1960s and ’70s.
The brooch’s concept – a thief cracking open a diamond-set vault that hides a ticking timepiece – is a brilliant play on the idea of "stealing time." It captures the era’s fascination with gadgetry, surrealism, and wearable conversation pieces.
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Specifications
Origin: American or European, circa 1960s
Metal: 18kt yellow gold with white gold accents
Weight: 30 grams
Dimensions: 4.8 cm (length) x 3.5 cm (height)
Mechanism: Manual-wind watch integrated inside safe doorGemstones
Diamonds
5 stones (round brilliant & baguette cut)
Approx. 0.16 carats total
Colour: G–H
Clarity: VS1
Rubies
4 square-cut stones
Approx. 0.08 carats total
Sapphires
6 square-cut stones
Approx. 0.12 carats total
Treatments not indicated
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of use. The mechanical watch remains intact and winds smoothly, works completely fine, however timekeeping has not been tested.
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ITEM LOCATION : United Kingdom
SHIPPING FEE: Complimentary Express & Insured Shipping
INCLUDED: Complimentary Gift Wrap Packaging & Certificate of Evaluation.
RETURNS: 14-Days Return Policy, Money-Back Guarantee.