Platinum and Diamond Wristwatch, Cartier

The rectangular dial applied with Roman numerals, completed by an openwork bracelet of geometric design, set throughout with numerous baguette, old European and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 12.10 carats, manual movement, length 6¼ inches, the dial signed Cartier, the bracelet numbered 02421 and stamped Made in France, the caseback numbered 22317, 05.167 and 29620; together with one extra link, circa 1930.

In good condition overall. The diamonds are approximately F-J color, predominantly VS clarity with a few examples of SI clarity stones. Manual movement, running. Movement signed Europrean Watch and Clock Co. Inc. With 19 jewels, 8 adjustments, inner caseback numbered 22317. Length of extra link approximately 1¾ inches. The watch has been recently thoroughly serviced and a piece of the winding mechanism had to be hand-fabricated. The watch is not water resistant, therefore care should be taken to avoid water and steam. Please see the Important Notice Regarding Condition of Watches on page 248 of the printed catalogue. This watch belonged to Laura Mae Whitlock Corrigan, born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 1879. Laura Mae was the wife of James W. Corrigan, heir to the Corrigan-McKinney Steel Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio. Shunned by Cleveland society, Laura Mae moved to London where she became a consummate hostess to many, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Laura's annual $800,000 allowance was diminished to just $500 per month during World War II, however she continued to be tremendously philanthropic and was instrumental in founding several war-relief efforts by selling much of her vast collections of jewelry, furniture and tapestries. For her efforts, Laura Mae Corrigan was awarded a King's Medal of England and a Croix de Guerre, Legion of Honor and Croix de Combattant by France.
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.