Arthur King (American, 1921–1991), Watch and Cuff Links, late 1960s, palladium, coral, agate geode

Audio Description

This man’s watch and cuff link set were made by American jeweler Arthur King, who lived from 1921–1991. The set was made in the late 1960s.

Made of a white metal, this watch has a textured surface and voids are filled with bright red coral branches. The silver-colored face of the watch is square with black lines representing where the numbers would be. In black block lettering is ‘Patek Philippe Geneve’ and in black script is King’s signature. The cuff links are also of white metal. Flat agate geodes, with swirls of grey, brown and off-white, form the top and they are each embellished on one side with a piece of bright red coral surrounded by metal.

Label Copy

This man’s watch and cuff link set were made by American jeweler Arthur King, who lived from 1921–1991. The set was made in the late 1960s.

The 1960s and ‘70s saw more adventurous fashion for men during what was called the Peacock Revolution. Personal expression and individuality became paramount, and jewelry specifically designed for men was more common. While some large jewelry houses disdained this trend, rings, bracelets, and imposing pendant necklaces became popular for the cosmopolitan male. Even those who were somewhat conservative might opt for more interesting cuff links or a modern watch to update their wardrobe.

While most of King’s mature work was executed in gold, he also enjoyed working with palladium—a rare, silvery-white metal—from which this set is fabricated. The rough surface was sculpted and cast, leaving empty spaces, which were later embedded with coral branches and geodes. Here, the bright red-orange coral elements add color to the hard white metal. King partnered with renowned Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe whose face and movement are used in this piece.

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