• Stunning original 1920s Art Deco ladies' cocktail watch by Central Watch Co. (Benrus Watch Co. subsidiary). Geometric 14K gold-filled case with white gold accents, patented clasp (U.S. Pat. 2082769). Tiny 17-jewel Swiss manual movement runs. Iconic black cord band. Perfect Jazz Age piece!  “Originally retailed for the equivalent of over $400 in today’s dollars — a true luxury piece in the Roaring Twenties!”

This is a charming ladies' Art Deco cocktail watch from the late 1920s to early 1930s, produced under the Central Watch Co. brand. Here's a detailed breakdown based on the photos and historical context:
Identification and Brand History

• Brand: Central Watch Co. (dial signed "CENTRAL") was a secondary  line created by the Benrus Watch Company (New York-based, founded in 1921). Benrus used it for affordable, stylish pieces aimed at the market during the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression era. Many U.S. brands (like Bulova with Westfield) did this to offer entry-level options without diluting their main name.
• It's not related to the modern Central Watch repair shop in Grand Central Terminal (that's a separate business since 1952).
• This exact style—geometric case with engraved patterns, two-tone gold/white gold accents, cord band, and small curved rectangular (tonneau) shape—was extremely popular for women's evening/dress watches in the Jazz Age.

Case Details

• Material: 14K gold-filled (marked "1/20 12K GOLD FILLED" on the band links and "PAT. 2082769 U.S.A." on the clasp).
  • Gold-filled (thicker gold layer bonded to base metal) was common for durability and affordability—much more robust than gold-plated.
  • The patent 2,082,769 (granted 1937, but applied earlier) refers to an improved expandable bracelet/clasp design, often used on 1920s-30s ladies' watches.
• Design: Classic Art Deco with stepped lugs, engraved triangular motifs, and white gold overlays on the top/bottom for contrast. The black cord band (original or period-correct) was a fashionable choice for cocktail watches—lightweight and elegant.
• Dimensions: Case ~15-18mm wide (excluding crown), ~25-30mm lug-to-lug. The last photo with ruler shows the movement ~21-22mm across—typical for tiny ladies' pieces.

Movement

• Specs: Swiss-made, 17 jewels, unadjusted, manual-wind (stem at 3 o'clock). Marked "MODEL AB", "SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS", "UNADJUSTED", "SWISS".
  • 17 jewels was standard for reliable mid-grade movements (functional jewels reduce friction; more than 17 was marketing hype back then).
  • Ruby jewels visible, shock-protected settings, decent finishing with perlage and blued screws.
• Maker/Sourcing: Benrus (and thus Central Watch Co.) did not manufacture movements in-house. They sourced high-quality Swiss ébauches (blank movements) from suppliers in the Jura region. Likely candidates:
  • A. Schild (AS) or Fontainemelon (FHF)—the most common for U.S. brands like Benrus in this era. AS supplied tons of 17J tonneau movements to American importers.
  • Possibly a variant of AS 1000-series or similar small rectangular calibers.
  • These were robust, accurate, and perfect for fashion-focused pieces.Condition and Quirks

• Pros: Excellent aesthetics—sharp engraving, no major dents, original crown, radium numerals/hands with nice patina (glow faintly under UV).
• Cons:
  • Cord band some wear visible but easily (replaceable).
  • Some brassing on high-wear areas and green verdigris (copper oxidation from age/moisture—cleanable).
  • Dial has light aging spots.
• Overall: Very presentable for its age; these were delicate "jewelry watches" more than tool watches.

Value and MarketSimilar Central Watch Co. Benrus Art Deco ladies' pieces (working, gold-filled, cord band) sell for $150–$400 on eBay/completed listings, depending on condition.

• Non-running/parts examples: $50–$150.
• Pristine or diamond-set versions: $500+.
• This watch should sell in the  $200–$350 range as-is . Serviced and with new crystal/band: $300–$450. Rarity: Not ultra-rare, but desirable—Art Deco ladies' watches are hot with collectors, especially geometric two-tone ones.