Cartier pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1935
This object is an 18K yellow gold, circular, pocket-sized magnifying glass featuring an integrated watch. Attributed to circa 1935, the piece bears the name Cartier, while the movement was produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
The watch component is fitted into a polished, circular housing with an inclined bezel that connects to the gold-framed magnifying glass. The brushed silver dial is equipped with painted baton indexes and Arabic numerals at the quarter-hour positions, complemented by blued steel épée hands. The watch functions as a back-winder and is powered by a rhodium-plated, 15-jewel manual-wind movement featuring fausses cotes decoration, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance with a flat balance spring.
The overall dimensions of the device are 50 x 38 mm. Signatures for Cartier appear on the dial, while the case and movement are signed by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
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
- Pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Dimensions
- 50 x 38 mm
- Case design
- Two-body, circular, polished, inclined bezel
- Dial features
- Brushed silver, baton indexes, Arabic numerals
- Movement type
- 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement
- Movement maker
- European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
- Movement finish
- Rhodium-plated, fausses cotes
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier; European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular magnifying lens set in a gold frame • Integrated watch with brushed silver dial • Back-winding mechanism visible on the watch housing • Blued steel hands in épée style
- Movement and Dial
- The watch component is powered by a 15-jewel movement produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The movement is rhodium-plated and features fausses cotes decorative finishing. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat balance spring. Regulation is managed by an index regulator. The dial is finished in brushed silver and features painted baton indexes alongside Arabic numerals located at the quarter-hour markers. The time is indicated by blued steel hands of the épée style. The auction description indicates that the movement currently requires an overhaul.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The object carries multiple signatures identifying its components. The dial bears the signature of Cartier. Both the case and the internal movement are signed by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The cataloging identifies the object as originating from approximately 1935. The serial numbers 105107 and 011988 are associated with the item in the provided documentation. No further details regarding previous ownership or specific collection history are provided in the source text.
- Case and Magnifier Construction
- The object consists of a circular, 18K yellow gold housing measuring 50 mm by 38 mm. The construction is described as a two-body design with a polished finish and an inclined bezel surrounding the watch dial. The piece functions primarily as a pocket-sized magnifying glass, with a gold frame encompassing the glass lens and securing it to the watch module. The case back is secured with two screws, which allow access to the movement. The watch itself serves as a back-winder, meaning the winding mechanism is integrated into the rear portion of the watch housing rather than utilizing a side crown. The auction house reports the case as being in fair condition, with specific notes regarding identified alterations.
Identification
- Serial number
- 105107, 011988
- 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: The auction house indicates movement overhauling is recommended
- Research required: Case condition is noted by the auction house as fair with alterations