Important Watches

Cartier, London

Maxi Ronde | A large and extremely rare yellow gold circular wristwatch with concealed lugs, Circa 1971-72

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

160,000 - 240,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, London

Maxi Ronde

A large and extremely rare yellow gold circular wristwatch with concealed lugs, Circa 1971-72

Dial: cream dial signed Cartier, black stretched radial Roman numerals, blued steel épée hands

Calibre: calibre P838 circular movement signed Jaeger-LeCoultre, damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, jewelled to the centre, annular balance, flat hairspring, Kif Trior shock absorber

Movement number: backplate numbered 1'682'635

Case: 18k yellow gold circular case, slim rounded bezel, concealed t-bar style Vendôme lugs, polished case back, case back secured by four screws to case sides, beaded cabochon-set crown

Case number: case back numbered beneath lugs 1'354, case back interior with London hallmarks for 18k gold, date letter ‘q’ for 1971-72 and [JC] Jean-Jacques Cartier punch mark

Closure: blue unsigned leather strap and 18k gold deployant buckle, stamped 750, BC and signed Cartier 18k

Size: 34.5 mm diameter

Accessories: none

An exceptionally rare model, only two examples of the gentleman’s Maxi Ronde in yellow gold are currently known, together with a further two in white gold. Its perfectly circular case with slim bezel and enlarged dial amplify its presence, while the elongated Roman numerals stretching toward the edge further enhance the sense of expansion. Rather than exploring distortion or abstraction, the Maxi Ronde pushes the limits of balance and proportion, proving that radical design can also lie in clarity and refinement. This purity of form is further emphasised by its Vendôme-style T-bar lugs, affixed to the case back, allowing the unbroken circular shape to remain visually uninterrupted.

Despite its restraint, the Maxi Ronde is undeniably bold. Larger than most dress watches of the era, its slender bezel maximises the dial’s prominence, making it feel even more expansive on the wrist. The subtle interplay of proportion and detail creates a watch that is at once understated yet striking, a harmonious counterbalance to the more experimental creations of Cartier London during this highly creative period.

Please note that the present watch is hand stamped 1'345 and not as stated in the printed catalogue.

卡地亞倫敦

Maxi Ronde

大尺寸及極度罕有黃金圓形腕錶，備隱藏錶耳，約1971-72年製

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."