Cartier oval pocket watch with integrated sundial and compass
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1939
Maker / issuer
CartierAccording to Sotheby's, this circa 1939 Cartier pocket watch features an 18k yellow gold oval case measuring 45 mm in length by 33 mm in width. The front presents an off-center silvered dial signed Cartier with Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands.
The reverse serves as an engraved sundial marked with Arabic hour numerals from 6 to 18, accompanied by an integrated compass and a flush-folding pink gold spring-loaded gnomon. The source documents a 10-ligne circular movement signed European Watch Co. Inc., decorated with Côtes de Genève, bearing 18 jewels and a bi-metallic compensation balance.
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
- Oval pocket watch with sundial and compass
- Dimensions
- 45 mm length x 33 mm width
- Case Number
- 31'263
- Jewel Count
- 18 jewels
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Place recorded
- France
- Case Side Number
- 08'405
- Movement Calibre
- 10''' circular movement
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Visible features
- • Composite catalog photograph displaying three views: the off-center front dial, the sundial back with closed flush gnomon, and the back with the raised gnomon • Polished oval yellow-gold case with an offset white circular dial showing black Roman numerals, inner track, and blued hands • Sundial reverse engraved with radial hour markings from 6 to 18 alongside an inset glazed compass capsule • Small notched winding crown situated at the upper end of the oval case
- Internal Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a 10-ligne circular movement signed 'European Watch Co. Inc.' It features a lever escapement, 18 jewels, and a bi-metallic compensation balance with timing and poising screws. The movement is decorated with damascened Côtes de Genève and utilizes a flat hairspring. The movement is adjusted to temperature and two positions. The movement is numbered '34'965'.
- Case Construction and Form
- This Cartier oval pocket watch is constructed from 18k yellow gold with a polished finish. The case measures 45 mm in length by 33 mm in width, with a flat notched winding crown positioned at the top of the oval structure. The case back is secured to the sides by four screws. The interior of the movement cover, the inside of the front and back covers, and the case sides feature hand-stamped serial numbering '31'263' and '08'405'. The case also displays French eagle’s head assay marks and Edmond Jaeger punch marks.
- Dial and Sundial Integration
- The front dial is silvered, signed 'Cartier', and features an outer chemin-de-fer minute ring with blued steel Breguet hands. The back of the dial is hand-signed 'Cartier, Pénchon'. The reverse of the case serves as a sundial, with Arabic hour numerals engraved from 6 to 18. It includes an integrated compass aperture and a pink gold spring-loaded hinged gnomon designed to recess flush into the case center.
Identification
- Serial number
- 31'263
- 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: Composite catalog image presents three views of the same object simultaneously
- Research required: Internal movement details and assay marks are reported by the source and not visible in the photograph