CARTIER | A PLATINUM AND SAPPHIRE SET OPEN FACED WATCH CIRCA 1925

Dial: silvered Caliber: 16'" ligne manual winding movement, 19 jewels Movement number: 23544 Case: platinum, with sapphire set bow, applied sapphire set monogram, and personal inscription along the bezelCase number: 20939, 76757, hand scratched Cartier inventory number on bow 3305, movement number repeated 23544  Size: diameter 42 mm Signed: case and dial signed by retailer, movement signed European Watch and Clock Co.

CASE Case in very good condition, consistent with age of the timepiece, light scuffing on the bezel and case back. Sapphire set monogram is intact. Engraving to the bezel reading ‘To Willie From Gwen - With all the love in the world - Feb 2nd 1929 -‘ Sapphire set bow is intact. Cartier inventory numbers to the left of the crown are visible as well as the hallmark to the bow. DIAL Dial in good condition with spotting and oxidation visible throughout, most noticeably seen along the outer hour track. Cartier France signature has faded slightly consistent with its age. Scratch to the dial directly above the central arbor. Some lighter scratching near the 6 o’clock position and between the 3 and 4 o’clock. MOVEMENT The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Early Cartier timepieces are always a treat to see resurface to the market.  The present example comes from descendants of the original owner, and has been well preserved for close to a century.  This Cartier open faced watch features a sapphire set bow and mounted sapphire set monogram on the caseback, elevating the elegance of the piece.  As any collector would wish to see, the present watch has all of the corresponding case and movement numbers, as well as the Cartier inventory number.