While Art Deco vanity cases by Cartier were extremely successful during the 1920s amongst the ladies, the Cartier brothers also created pieces for men during the interwar years. While smoking had been de rigueur for decades with pipes and cigars for a gentleman, packaged cigarettes grew in popularity for its convenience.

In an attempt to reach a wider clientele base, Cartier established a new division to provide a larger range of beautiful yet functional objects, The Department S. S stood for silver, the division at that time aimed to provide a relatively more ‘affordable’ range of items, the collection eventually flourished into wider range of materials as demand grew. Charles Jacqueau was the head of Department S and thus, designs for unusual objects from letter openers, cigarette cases, writing instruments and lighters all incorporated with a watch were born. Part of the high society, Louis Cartier would often offer chaps cigarettes at parties from his chic Cartier case, or a light from his gold Cartier lighter, he was his own ambassador for his products. A perfect specimen from the era, the present Art Deco lighter travels back in time. A lighter and a watch at the same time, the pin striped yellow gold case decorated with enamel was made in Paris. A fascinating and witty creation with sartorial splendor, the present object is preserved with crisp hallmarks and corresponding numbers stamped throughout, furthermore the elegant blued Breguet hands are powered by a European Watch and Clock Co movement.