Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2140. A very rare and highly unusual pink gold and Galalith novelty watch in the form of a phonograph record, Circa 1938.

Cartier, New York

A very rare and highly unusual pink gold and Galalith novelty watch in the form of a phonograph record, Circa 1938

No reserve

No Reserves

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

6,000 - 9,500 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, New York

A very rare and highly unusual pink gold and Galalith novelty watch in the form of a phonograph record, Circa 1938

Dial: red lacquered dial signed Cartier, the numerals rendered as musical notes, feuille hands

Calibre: 6¾’’’ Universal calibre 241 movement signed ETS. Worms, grained decoration, lever escapement, 17 jewels, bi-metallic balance with timing and poising screws, unadjusted, flat hairspring

Case: pink gold watch case, flat polished bezel and back, the back engraved Melancholy Baby, black Galalith surround in the form of a grooved vinyl record

Case number: inside gold case back signed E. W. C. Co. Inc and numbered 50, additional punch mark unidentified

Size: 36 mm diameter

Accessories: Cartier presentation box and travelling pouch

The 1938 Cartier New York catalogue includes a number of relatively inexpensive and novel gift suggestions. Among these a hand-drawn and coloured illustration shows an apparently identical watch to that shown here. It is described in the catalogue as a purse watch with a red dial in the form of a “Phonograph Record in Gold and Galalith”. The pink gold case back of the record watch shown here is engraved “Melancholy Baby.” My Melancholy Baby was a popular song published in 1912, with music composed by Ernie Burnett (1884–1959) and lyrics by George A. Norton (1880–1923). It is tempting to speculate that this special “vinyl” watch may have been commissioned to commemorate the song’s success – perhaps by an executive at Decca, or possibly by or for one of the performers. The ‘vinyl record’ watch surround was created using Galalith, a versatile and durable material made from casein (milk protein) and formaldehyde. Prized for its ability to mimic a wide range of textures and finishes, Galalith is strong, water-resistant, and can be polished to a high gloss. These qualities made it ideal for crafting jewellery, buttons, decorative objects, and accessories, particularly during the Art Deco period. Galalith was a less expensive alternative to luxury materials such as ivory, onyx, tortoiseshell and horn, offering a similar aesthetic without the associated cost.

Olivier Bachet & Alain Cartier, Cartier Exceptional Objects, Hong Kong, Palais Royale, 2019. See p. 360 (and text reference p. 426) for an advertisement with handmade illustration showing an apparently identical example of the Cartier phonograph record watch. A further example is also illustrated op. cit. with the reverse engraved “I married an Angel”, a song written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart from the Broadway Musical of the same name which was first recorded in 1938.

卡地亞紐約

非常罕有、獨特及新奇粉紅金酪素塑料留聲機唱片形錶，約1938年製

附帶盒子及旅行袋子

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."