CARTIER/EUROPEAN WATCH & CLOCK CO., INC.

• nickel lever movement signed European Watch & Clock Co., Inc., bi-metallic compensation balance, 19 jewels, precision regulator, eight adjustments • silvered guilloché dial, outer Arabic minute indication, ring aperture for minutes with triangular ruby minute indicator, aperture for digital hour display • 18k gold case, sloped bezel, band with central ridge, triangular bow, presentation inscription to the snap back • case hand-stamped with Cartier numbers, dial signed Cartier

The movement runs inconsistantly, and it will need to be cleaned and serviced. The movement is numbered 31450. Please note the number on the movement does not match the respective number stamped inside the case. The dial is dirty in general, but appears original and generally very nice. The signature appears rather faint, but original. There is a blank spot near 6 o'clock that does not have a guilloche finish. The bottom edge of the dial is signed 'Patented DM54197'. The case shows general wear with surface scuffs and light scratches typical of a watch of this age. It appears as if the engraved inscription to the outside of the back is rather rubbed. It reads, 'Paris Sep 1946 Para Jorge'. The inside of the case back is numbered 08482. The outer gold rim surrounding the movement is numbered 15318 and 21730. The inside of the pendant is stamped 3*0 and 25. Overall this is a loveley watch in very nice condition considering its age.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

During the 1920s and 1930s, jump-hour watches, sometimes referred to as digital watches, were a popular alternative to standard two-handed analog watches.

While the movements are similar between the two styles, jump-hour models substitute the hour hand with an underdial hour disk with numerals 1 through 12. When the minutes advance from 59 to 60 at the end of each hour, the hour disk rotates one increment so the new hour is displayed through the aperture. Rather than progressing over the course of 60 minutes as in the analog display, the hour indication 'jumps' at the last minute of the hour, as suggested by the description. 

It is interesting to note that the inscription on the present example suggests that it was purchased in September 1946 in Paris, just two years after the city was liberated from German forces. The sale date, likely a decade after the watch's manufacture, alludes to the trying times the firm and Paris faced during the wartime years.

An example of a Chronoscope model cased in rock crystal is illustrated in Barracca, J., Negretti, G. and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, p. 140.