55 Cartier A very rare and unusual, Lugless "Cornice”, manual wristwatch in yellow gold, produced in France and sold in the USA.
Estimate: € 60.000 – 120.000
A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.
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- Model Lugless "Cornice"
- Year Circa 1960s
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 19'922, 37'093
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, 18 jewels
- Movement Number 486'082
- Dimension 25mm width x 33mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
Throughout its history, Cartier has explored an extraordinary variety of shapes and proportions, with a creativity that has rarely been confined by conventional watchmaking forms. From the early 20th century onwards, the maison produced watches of increasingly imaginative design. The present watch is a particularly rare and unusual creation, with a case form seldom encountered and difficult to compare with other known Cartier examples. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, its softly rounded rectangular case is distinguished by broad curved sides and a raised inner frame surrounding the dial, creating a bold yet elegant stepped profile. The cream-coloured dial features large black Roman numerals, an inner railway minute track and blued-steel hands, complemented by a blue sapphire cabochon crown. The case is stamped “MADE IN FRANCE” and bears the French eagle’s head assay marks, confirming its manufacture in France. Dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s, the watch belongs to an especially creative period in Cartier’s history, when the maison continued to experiment with highly individual case designs. Further enhancing its historical interest, the movement bears the signature European Watch & Clock Co., together with the OYP import mark, associated with Cartier watches supplied to the American market. These markings provide compelling evidence of the present watch’s original destination and connect it to Cartier’s commercial presence in the United States.
Condition Report
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GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle
HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central
MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11
BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20