Important Watches

Cartier, Paris

New York retailed | An unusual yellow gold oval pocket watch with integrated sundial and compass, Circa 1939

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

95,000 - 150,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, Paris

New York retailed

An unusual yellow gold oval pocket watch with integrated sundial and compass, Circa 1939

Dial: silvered dial signed Cartier, outer chemin-de-fer minute ring, blued steel Breguet hands, dial back hand signed Cartier, Pénchon

Calibre: 10’’’ circular movement signed European Watch Co. Inc., damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, 18 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance with timing and poising screws, adjusted to temperature and two positions, flat hairspring

Movement number: numbered beneath dial 34'965, 3, movement cover with recess of gnomon numbered 31'263

Case: 18k yellow gold oval, plain polished front with off-set time dial, back engraved with a dial plate for the sundial, the hours marked in Arabic numerals, pink gold spring loaded hinged gnomon recessed flush to the centre, off-set aperture for compass, flat notched winding crown, case back secured by four screws to case sides, case side, inside case back and interior of movement cover with French eagle’s head assay mark and Edmond Jaeger punch marks

Case number: inside front and back covers and movement cover hand stamped 31'263, case side numbered 08'405

Size: 45 mm length x 33 mm width

Accessories: none

With its smooth, pebble-like form, this oval timepiece offers a satisfyingly weighty and tactile feel in the hand. The time aperture is positioned off-centre on the front, while the engraved dial plate for the sundial occupies much of the case back, with the compass situated beneath it. The gnomon’s spring-loaded blade, crafted in contrasting pink gold, is ingeniously designed to recess seamlessly into the back of the case when not in use, preserving the piece’s streamlined aesthetic. A notable example of this model once belonged to the Duchess of Windsor. The Duchess’s piece featured a charming inscription, engraved in script on the front cover in the style of her husband, the Duke of Windsor’s handwriting: “No excuse for going in the wrong direction, Easter 1939.” This thoughtful detail added a personal and whimsical touch to an already captivating timepiece.

Barracca, Jader; Negretti, Giampiero; Nencini, Franco, Le Temps de Cartier, Milan: Publiprom, Second Edition, 1993. See pp. 198-199 for a similar example dated to 1938, the front engraved with a count’s coronet above entwined monogram.

卡地亞巴黎

紐約發行

獨特黃金橢圓形懷錶，備日晷及指南針，約1939 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."