In the 50s freedom and welfare were important. After WWII there was a period of reconstruction all over the world, a time of austerity. But slowly people were getting hope and welfare grow. So also in the design of the interior, fashion, etc that became more luxurious. In watches, it was no different.
A good example of fancy lugs is this stunning Patek Phillipe square dress watch. Silver dial with applique in 18k snap-on case-back, subsidiary seconds at 6,but what it makes it extraordinary are the lugs. Horned shaped concave lugs, also called bull lugs, after the horn of the bull. Nice but it gives the watch a luxury appearance that is typical for Patek Philippe and the era it was produced.
Pictures say more than a thousand words!