Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1970 Case No: 63'302 & 033'185 Model Name: "Réversible à deux mouvements et deux fuseaux horaires" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9''', 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Cartier folding clasp stamped 156'565 Dimensions: 24mm x 35mm. Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Cartier’s 1970s panache and flamboyance take center stage in this rare and original timepiece. Featuring a surprising case, which swivels to reveal another dial on the back of the watch enabling the wearer to have a dual time watch read via two separate dials.
One side features a white dial with black roman numerals and the other features a champagne dial with black roman numerals. Superbly designed, if one looks closely, this timepiece actually features two crowns on the top and bottom of the body but only the one adjusting the hands on the visible dial is visible.
The amazing feat here is that this timepiece has two separate movements yet the case size remains elegantly slim. A stunning and hardly ever seen reversible wristwatch that offers great value for the collector of fine wristwatches.
With 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.