8066
Cartier
No. 16'623, Tortue
An extremely rare and unusual platinum and yellow gold tortue-shaped wristwatch
Full-Cataloguing
- The present tortue-shaped time-only wristwatch dating to circa 1926 is an extremely rare find. At its heart beats a refined movement, signed by European Watch & Clock Co. The case remains exceptionally well-preserved with crisp hallmarks still visible. Encased in a platinum case with a yellow gold caseback and distinctive lugs – the only example known in this configuration, the watch is further distinguished by a yellow gold clasp stamped “New York.”
- The dial is classically Cartier with its signature Roman numerals and rail minute track, signed France. Last appeared at auction for the first time in 2021, this vintage timepiece is a true synthesis of rarity, preservation, and artistry from the maison of Cartier.
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.