Desirable square-faced gold-tone circa late 1930s wristwatch by Paul Flato featuring a black dial with gold Roman numerals, engraved on the reverse in the form of Mervyn LeRoy's handwriting, "1942, To Harold, from Mervyn." The watch has a 17-jewel manual wind Kelbert Watch Co. movement, and the inside of the caseback is stamped with serial number "107902." The watch band's clasp is marked "Kreisler." In fine condition; the watch appears to properly function.
Considered the first 'celebrity jeweler,' Paul Flato made watches for both film and personal use in Hollywood during the golden age of American cinema. His long list of clients included Greta Garbo, Mae West, Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Doris Duke, Ginger Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Gloria Vanderbilt—many of whom wore his pieces on screen. The consignor notes that this watch was acquired in the 1980s from a flea market in Pasadena, and believes that it was presented by LeRoy to cinematographer Harold Rosson upon the release of the classic noir film Johnny Eager, which LeRoy produced and directed.
