Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 1925
    Case No: Hand stamped Cartier reference 20'733, 2942 and 29'449
    Material: Platinum, onyx and diamonds
    Calibre: Mechanical, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Silk cord, 155 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp
    Dimensions: 13.5 mm width
    Signed: Case with Cartier hand stamped numbers, dial signed and movement signed European Watch and Clock Co

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cartier produced a variety of ladies' cocktail watches in the early 20th century, ranging from diamond-set watches with "snake chain" bracelets to those with mesh straps and pedants hanging from a delicate chain.

    The present watch, which features a pavé-set bezel and onyx panels suspended on a black silk cord, showcases Cartier's enduring creativity and craftsmanship. Indeed, the onyx and diamond pavé-setting still remains one of Cartier's most iconic motifs today. The watch is presented in very crisp and original overall condition.

  • 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. 

    View More Works

333

A lady's very fine and rare platinum, onyx and diamond-set bracelet watch with diamond articulated lugs, movement by European Watch and Clock Company and original fitted presentation box

Circa 1925
13.5 mm width
Case with Cartier hand stamped numbers, dial signed and movement signed European Watch and Clock Co

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 150,000 

Sold for HK$137,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016