226 Cartier A special and refined Art Deco Hardstone Cartier pocket watch

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Pocket Watch
Material: yellow gold and onyx
Caliber: lecoultre caliber 139
Dimensions: 49 mm

Since 1898, Cartier’s skill and craftsmanship in the creation of timepieces have proved to be even more important over pocket timepieces than wristwatches. Always ahead of its time and eager to experiment with innovative materials, Cartier gave birth to some very original pocket watches like the present lot from 1923. An outstanding example of Art Deco style, this pocket watch is housed in a sleek ultra-flat case crafted from onyx with a platinum case-band. The brilliant outer ring with Roman numerals in yellow gold perfectly matches with the dark black of the onyx, making the whole case stand out in an almost three-dimensional manner. To make the entire structure more geometrical and delicate, the white guilloché dial with Arabic numerals, preserved in an excellent manner and with a slight patina on the edges to give depth and presence. The back of the watch then reserves a small surprise: a dazzling rose cut diamond, an antique cut stone that preceded today’s brilliant cut. A bold and very modern ensemble, this watch is one of the few left preserved in such beautiful condition.