79 Cartier New York Rare and Unusual Oval Maxi Curved Shape Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Argentè Roman Numerals Dial and Certificate

Estimate: € 40,000 –⁠ 80,000

Sold € 143,000

Model: Oval Maxi
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1971
Movement: Manual
Caliber: K2050
Case N°: 61538, 21162
Movement N°: Audemars Piguet N°117772
Dimensions: 28 x 56 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Certificate

The present lot is a magnificent exponent of the Oval Maxi family, whose daring design pays tribute to the era of the mid-20th Century in London, a time of modern and inspirational innovations. Its extremely generous dimensions with a curved case that could wrap a male wrist represent something totally unconventional for the time and even today could be considered as the non-plus-ultra of attractiveness and baldness in watchmaking. The slender case of the present lot has been manufactured in yellow gold and has been preserved in fair and gorgeous conditions with very deep and clearly visible numbers on the back. The dial has the classical Cartier layout with argentè dial with painted big black roman numerals. This particular example is further more precious since its movement has been produced by Audemars Piguet for the American market around the 70’s. It was likely originally shipped to Cartier in New York and sold there. It is said that that Audemars Piguet may have accepted the order from Cartier in order to finance important projects, such as the development of the Royal Oak. There are also examples made by Jaeger Le-Coultre for the London market, slightly different from those made by Audemars whose case are wider. The present lot is further embellished with the original Cartier Certificate confirming its originality.