Important Watches

Cartier, New York

A silver purse watch in the form of an envelope postmarked for Christmas Day 1940, Circa 1940

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

42,000 - 80,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, New York

A silver purse watch in the form of an envelope postmarked for Christmas Day 1940, Circa 1940

Dial: silvered dial signed Cartier, raised gilded Arabic and pointed baton hour indexes, outer chemin-de-fer minute track, gilded pointed baton hands

Calibre: 6¾’’’ tonneau form movement signed Pery Watch Co., lever escapement, 17 jewels, compensation balance

Case: silver case in the form of an envelope, the front engraved with the recipient’s address, US 6c postage stamp and post marked for New York, December 25, 1940, covers sliding open on runners to reveal the dial, case back with outline engraving in the form of an envelope flap

Case number: 5'353

Size: 38 mm length x 19 mm width

Accessories: none

Envelope watches were among the most charming forms of purse watches sold by Cartier. Intended as bespoke gifts, the fronts of the “envelopes” were engraved with the recipient’s name and address, while the franking often commemorated a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary or, as in this instance, Christmas Day.

Alexander Barter, The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style

History, London: Prestel, 2019. This watch is described and

illustrated on p. 148 together with another example of the

model in pink gold

卡地亞紐約

銀製信封形錢包錶，郵戳日期為1940年聖誕節，約1940年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."