Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 13, 2012

LOT 455

CARTIER/EUROPEAN WATCH & CLOCK CO., POSSIBLY UNIQUE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND BRACELET WATCH Cartier, Paris, No. 375253, case No. 36355. Made in 1951. Possibly unique platinum, and baguette-cut diamond wristwatch with integral platinum link bracelet with 18k pink gold deployant clasp. Accompanied by a Cartier certificate of authenticity dated October 2011.

CHF 35,000 - 55,000

USD 38,000 - 60,000 / EUR 30,000 - 45,000

Sold: CHF 98,500

C. Two-body, polished, T-bar lugs, large sloped bezel set with baguette and brillant-cut diamonds as hour markers, snap on caseback mounted on a centrally-set movement. D. Matte silver, outer minute divisions. Blued steel baton hands. M. Rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with 3 adjustments, blued steel Breguet balance spring with index regulator. Dial signed Cartier, movement and case signed European Watch and Clock Co. Case numbered. Diam. 29 mm. Thickness 6 mm, approx. overall length 175 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-53-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Reprinted

HANDS Original

Notes

An unmistakable Cartier creation in platinum and white diamonds, this watch is an extremely rare, perhaps even unique model, a variant of the famous ?Gouvernail?. The style is clean and unfussy yet made of the most costly materials, a great example of Cartier design and craftsmanship. Naturally this watch with platinum case set with 12 diamonds and with solid platinum bracelet would have been extremely expensive and made with the most discerning Cartier client in mind. The very early 1950?s was another golden era for Cartier?s designers, although a period of austerity after the War, Cartier sold signifi cant pieces to amongst others, The Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Hutton, King Farouk and Daisy Fellowes. Cartier sold many pieces to those attending the legendary de Beistegui Ball in Venice in 1951 ? it was in this world of international high-society that superb Cartier creations such as the present watch would have been worn.