Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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    • Manufacturer: Cartier
      Year: 2023
      Case No: 71/150
      Model Name: Pebble
      Material: 18K yellow gold
      Calibre: Manual, cal. 430 MC, 18 jewels
      Bracelet/Strap: Leather
      Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
      Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
      Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
      Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Garantie Internationale dated December 01, 2023, polishing cloth, Certificate of Origin confirming the present watch is number 71 of a limited series of 150 pieces, loupe, presentation box and outer packaging.

    • Catalogue Essay

      One of Cartier's most exciting limited edition pieces to be launched in recent years, the Pebble caused an immediate stir and fervour when it was announced in 2022. The model was immediately sold out with a waiting list that could rival the most exclusive of all watch models.

      The present model is an indelible part of Cartier's history, and represents what the brand is best known for: merging form with function. The 1970s was a time of incredible creative turmoil. Spurred by the changes in society, which was veering toward more carefree social rules, designers in every field came up with some of the most intriguing designs to ever appear in any field: from watches, to jewellery, passing through the cars, buildings and of course garment fashion, a true design revolution took place during those years.

      London was undoubtedly one the epicentres of this change, and thus it is no surprise that Cartier London created during those years some of the most impressive, creative and iconic designs of its multi-century history. “The Pebble" or "Baseball” due to its appearance - is one such creation. Deceptively simple, the entire design is centred around the two most “pure” geometrical shapes: the circle (case shape) and the square (dial shape). The contrast of the circular case with the angular dial grants an enormous aesthetic impact to the ensemble: the fact that Cartier managed to achieve such a momentous effect with such a simple design is testament to the incredible design proficiency of the brand.

      While originally created in the 1970s, the Pebble's relaunch in 2022 marked the first time this model was ever re-released by the brand. Launched in a limited edition of 150 pieces, the present example is numbered 71 and is preserved in like new condition with all its original accessories.

    • Artist Biography

      Cartier

      French

      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. 

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An extremely rare, attractive and unusual limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with guarantee and presentation box, number 71 of a limited edition of 150 pieces

2023
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€31,200-62,500
$34,300-68,500

Sold for CHF106,680

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023