Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2010
    Reference No: 3258
    Case No: 08/40
    Model Name: Ballon Bleu de Cartier XL
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1904MC, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 46mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Cartier Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong dated 12th May 2010, numbered certificate, instruction manual, red folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fast forwarding to modern times, it was not until 2002 that enamel painting works were launched in series at Cartier, and in circa 2007 where a dedicated in-house enamel atelier based in La Chaux-de-Fonds was set up.

    A painstaking process that demands the most patient and skillful artists, there is absolutely no short cut in creating these works of art, thus commands respect and are highly regarded. Part of the Cartier d’ Art series in 2010, the present Ballon Bleu is part of a limited thematic series featuring some of the world’s most precious and endangered species. Intricately executed in champléve enamel, black mother-of-pearl, the graceful sea-turtle fills the canvas of the Ballon Bleu.

    Equipped with the self-winding calibre 1904 that guarantees performance, the wearer can simply focus all their attention to admiring the artwork. Fresh-to-the-market and numbered 8 of a limited edition of 40 pieces and complete with its certificate and accessories, this extraordinary timepiece produced by the hands of artisans is part of an early series of the Cartier d’Art.

  • 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

Σ962

Ref. 3258
A rare and intricate limited edition white gold wristwatch with hand-engraved sea turtle motif, champlevé enamel, mother-of-pearl dial, certificate and presentation box, numbered 8 of a limited edition of 40 pieces

Circa 2010
46mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 300,000 
€17,600-35,100
$19,200-38,500

Sold for HK$330,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024