Cartier
A yellow gold concealed dial bracelet watch, Circa 1969
Auction Closed
June 5, 07:33 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: matte with baton numerals, dial concealed by engine turned lid bordered by polished ovals
Caliber: cal. 168 mechanical, 18 jewels, adjusted to temperatures and two positions
Movement number: 545'158
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on case back
Case number: 42'973
Closure: 18k yellow gold bracelet decorated en-suite with the dial lid, folding clasp stamped 14340, further stamped twice 'EJ' for Edmund Jaeger
Size: 28 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 165 mm
Signed: dial signed Cartier, movement signed European Watch and Clock Co Inc, case and bracelet stamped with Paris gold marks and 'EJ'
Box: no
Papers: no
Known as the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers, Cartier has mastered the art of blending watchmaking with jewelry design like no other brand. This circa 1969 example perfectly demonstrates this fusion. Crafted in elegant 18k yellow gold, its bracelet features woven links and a pebbled outer row. The matching circular cover, hinged for convenience, conceals a simple yet elegant dial.
Printed in a soft off-white color with baton indices, the dial boasts elongated blue steel sword hands and a knurled edge crown. Many of Cartier’s “secret” watches were designed to function as exquisite pieces of jewelry when not in use. Beyond their beauty, these watches housed some of the highest-grade mechanical calibers available at the time.
Produced by Jaeger LeCoultre under a joint venture known as European Watch & Clock Co., this watch is as mechanically stunning as it is aesthetically pleasing. Today, it serves as an elegant reminder of Cartier’s creativity, skillfully concealing watchmaking within the most beautiful of cases and bracelets.