Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More

161

Cartier

Cintrée

A rare and attractive yellow gold curved wristwatch with Roman numerals

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000
€53,800 - 108,000
$61,200 - 122,000
CHF88,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 1976
Case No
1977
Model Name
Cintrée
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, JLC caliber, jeweled
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp with Cartier hand-stamped number 1977
Dimensions
43mm length and 21mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, case and clasp with English hallmarks, clasp furthermore with corresponding Cartier number 1977
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1921, the Tank Cintrée model was the largest and boldest variation of Cartier’s Tank line. With its long, slender, and gracefully arching case, the Cintrée is without a doubt one of the most beautiful watches made during the 20th century. The Cintrée’s highly curved case was designed to hug the curves of the wrist. The expansive dial and case combine straight lines, sensual curves, and crisp angles, resulting in a "modern" wristwatch with a design far ahead of its time - so much so, in fact, that the design has spawned multiple re-editions; the latest one, released in 2021, being a virtually perfect replica of the vintage model.

Interestingly, it is most probable that the timepiece was sold in London, as seen by the English hallmarks on the case, and was fitted with a "Paris" dial at the same time. It was in 1972 that the Cartier family sold the firm, and it is highly possible that the manufacture used up existing watch parts during the 1970s as they were finishing up their existing stock.

Most interestingly, both the case and the clasp have Cartier hand stamped numbers "1977" showing how the case and clasp were delivered together. In addition, both the case and clasp are stamped with the letter B, indicating London hallmarks that date to 1976. The watch itself is preserved in excellent condition, with crisp hallmarks and engravings throughout. The dial exhibits a beautiful eggshell dial that has turned warm and ivory throughout time.

Cartier

French
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 
Browse Maker