Cartier 'Guillotine' minute-repeating dress watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1910
Maker / issuer
CartierThis 18k yellow gold manual-wind open-face pocket watch, manufactured circa 1910, is identified by the name "Guillotine" in Cartier's manufacturing records. The watch features a unique shutter mechanism consisting of spring-loaded polished gold covers that conceal the matted silver dial, which are operated by a coaxial button integrated into the crown.
The case, measuring 48.5 mm in diameter, contains a 40 mm caliber produced by the European Watch & Clock Co. This movement is rhodium-plated with 'fausses cotes' decoration, 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance with eight adjustments. It includes a minute-repeater complication activated via a slide in the case band. The exterior of the case displays a small blue enamel coat of arms.
The piece is signed on the dial, case, and movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Cartier
- Dimensions
- 48.5 mm diameter
- Case Number
- 14905
- Complication
- Minute repeater
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Movement Type
- Manual wind
- Movement Maker
- European Watch & Clock Co.
- Place recorded
- France
- Dial Description
- Matted silver
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Case and Dial
- The pocket watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 48.5 mm in diameter. It features a specific mechanism referred to as "Guillotine," which utilizes spring-loaded polished gold shutters to cover the watch face. These shutters are activated by a coaxial button built into the crown, allowing the user to reveal the dial as needed. The watch dial itself is constructed of matted silver and is inscribed with Arabic numerals. Time is displayed via blued steel Breguet-style hands. The exterior case back is decorated with a small blue enamel coat of arms, providing a distinct visual characteristic to the piece.
- Visible features
- • Blue enamel coat of arms on the case back • Coaxial button in the crown for shutter operation • Matted silver dial with Arabic numerals • Slide for the repeating complication located in the case band
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch is powered by a 40 mm caliber movement supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co. The movement is finished with rhodium plating and a 'fausses cotes' decorative pattern. It is constructed with 29 jewels and incorporates a straight-line lever escapement. The timing regulation is managed by a cut bimetallic balance, adjusted in eight positions, and features a Breguet balance spring. In addition to timekeeping, the watch includes a minute-repeating complication. The repeater function is triggered by a slide mechanism integrated into the side of the case band, allowing the watch to chime the time on internal gongs.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction description provides a grading for the watch components. The case is graded as 3, while the movement and dial are both graded 3-6. The movement and dial are reported to exhibit slight oxidation. The watch is signed by Cartier on the dial, the case, and the internal movement, confirming its origin within the brand's records.
Identification
- Serial number
- 14905
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Condition report indicates slight oxidation on the movement and dial
- Research required: Overhaul recommended per auction report