252 Cartier Very Rare and Elegant, Barrel Shape Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, Waterproof Case

Estimate: €25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Gold Barrel
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1940's
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2452
Case N°: 2023
Dimensions: 33 × 44 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Literature: Archive's Picture published in “Le Temps de Cartier” by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini at page 254.

Since 1898, Cartier’s skill and craftsmanship in the creation of timepieces have proved to be even important over pocket timepieces and wristwatches. Always ahead of its time and eager to experiment with innovative materials, Cartier gave birth to some very original watches like the present lot with an unusual barrel-shape, waterproof case in yellow gold and articulated hooded ribbed lugs. The silver dial has dot and baton hour indexes with outer five minutes/seconds division, yellow hands with luminous material and an aperture for the date at 3 o’clock. Definitely groundbreaking for Cartier’s standards, the present watch resembles more like the sporty bubble back by Rolex than the classical and elegant layout by the French brand and for this reason such a watch is an absolute pearl to own and look after. A similar example has been sold here at Monaco Legend in the iconic sale “88 Cartier” held October 16, 2021 for €101 400: both exceptionally rare and well preserved but the present one with more colored and aged luminous material on both hands and indexes that gives a touch of color and charm to the watch. Moreover, an archive’s picture is also published in “Le Temps de Cartier” by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini at page 254.