René Lalique "Marguerite" Pendant Watch

Created circa 1901-1902, this Art Nouveau "Marguerite" pendant watch by René Lalique is composed of 18K gold and enamel. The case is designed with white opaque champlevé enamel marguerites (oxeye daisies) with chased centers in various stages of blossoming, blooming and withering on swirling gold vines against a transparent blue green enamel ground, the reverse with chased leafy vines and confirming enamel ground, opening to a white porcelain enamel dial with Arabic numerals signed by E. Thomas, containing a jeweled movement, interior cover inscribed "Marcelle 15 Mai 1902." This beautifully enameled watch is one a group produced by Lalique in 1901, and was likely displayed among the jewels in his case at L'Esplanade des Invalides, where they were seen and celebrated by "Art et Décoration" as embodying "the splendor of the useful".