The Shapes of Cartier
Cartier, Paris
Hexagon | A yellow gold hexagonally shaped wristwatch with a gold deployant buckle | Circa 1947
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: cream dial signed Cartier France, stretched black radial Roman numerals, inner hexagonal chemin-de-fer minute track, blued steel moon hands
Movement: 8’’’ circular movement signed European Watch and Clock Co. Inc., grained decoration, lever escapement, 15 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance with timing and poising screws, adjusted to 3 positions, Breguet hairspring,
Movement number: 427’967
Case: 18k gold hexagonal case with bold flat bezel, gold screw-set bar lugs, beaded crown, case back secured by four screws to case sides, case back with vertical satin finish and French eagle’s head assay mark and Edmond Jaeger punch mark
Case numbers: 238’52B, 427’967
Closure: later 18k gold deployant buckle, Edmond Jaeger punch mark, numbered 20'686
Size: 20.7 x 38.3 mm (width x length including lugs)
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
Gordon, George, Cartier - A Century of Cartier Wristwatches, Hong Kong: Timeless Elegance, 1989. See p. 444 Ref. 113 for a black and white photograph of a very similar hexagonal watch but with luminescent Arabic numerals. Also p. 446 no. 122 for a more exaggeratedly stretched hexagon. Page 475 no. 222 for a further hexagon but with bezel seemingly slightly inset or raised.
A particularly bold and broad bezel accentuates the distinctive hexagonal form of this watch, dating to 1946. Defined by its six sided geometry, the case presents a striking and highly architectural profile, with the strong lines of the bezel echoed throughout the hexagonal chapter ring and minute track.
While Cartier has explored hexagonal shapes in other models, these are typically rendered with slimmer bezels or more stepped constructions. In contrast, the present example stands out for its seamless and balanced proportions, where the bold bezel reinforces the purity of the form.
A compelling expression of Cartier’s post war creativity, this watch highlights the maison’s ability to translate geometric design into an elegant and wearable timepiece.