18 Karat Gold and Metal Clip-Watch, Cartier, France, 1938

The circular dial with Arabic numerals and blue steeled hands, within a gold case, supporting a gold and metal clip, manual movement, dial signed Cartier, caseback numbered 79254, clip numbered 07920, caseback inscribed J.McM, 11-8-38, WE, workshop marks, French assay marks.  With signed and fitted box.

Inside the case is numbered 79154, with a French 18 karat gold stamp, Cartier Reg # 07920, outside of back the case is numbered 79154 'modele deposé', on movement bridge: 'Le Coultre Co. Swisse, Fab. Suisse, sixteen 16 jewels, unadjusted' and the movement serial number 28148. The technical info: back crown-smallest round, calibre 427 by Le coulture for Cartier, blue steel flat balance hairspring, made in 1938. Completely serviced, avoid any shock, it is not shock protected, to wind: turn the crown only in the arrow direction, to set-up time: pull-out the crown using 2 fingernails or levers and turn to the right time, fit it back. This watch is not protected against magnetism. Currently running but please refer to the Important Notices on page 320 of our catalogue regarding the sale of clocks and watches. In good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This watch was a gift to Johnny McMullin from Wallis and Edward, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (inscribed on the back with the date 11-8-38).  Johnny McMullin was a well known journalist for American Vogue since the teens (1914 or earlier) and was the 'adopted' son of Elsie de Wolfe.  The Windsors, like de Wolfe, leaned on McMullin for everything as Johnny was basically a cavalier servant, a walker, and a man about town.  The provenance of this watch was from Johnny McMullin to his sister, Eliza Gallois, to Tony Duquette.