US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
132
Cartier
Rectangulaire
An elegant and unusual white gold rectangular wristwatch with Roman numerals
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€21,600 - 43,200$25,100 - 50,200
CHF114,300
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Cartier
- Year
- Circa 1970
- Movement No
- 612'130
- Case No
- 35'857
- Model Name
- Rectangulaire
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Manual, Vacheron Constantin cal. 1001, 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k white gold Cartier deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 24mm width x 39mm height
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Cartier has long been synonymous with Parisian glamour, bold creativity, and seductive design, and the present watch embodies that spirit in the most distinctive way.
When wristwatches first appeared in the early 20th century, they were little more than pocket watches with lugs soldered on. Cartier broke convention by introducing shaped cases—Tonneau, Tortue, and Tank—that would become milestones of horological design.
The present example, however, is no ordinary model, but a rarely found Rectangulaire. Produced in the 1970s, it features a rare rounded case without lugs, most likely retailed by Cartier Paris, as confirmed by the crisp eagle head hallmark on the case. Its extra-slim profile and integrated leather strap ensure it sits beautifully on the wrist, while the dial is distinguished by an unusual Cartier signature font. Even rarer is the Vacheron Constantin movement, showing how Cartier had outsourced their movements in the past. The present watch is prominently displayed in Cartier White Bianco by Osvaldo Patrizzi, page 189, Antiquorum Editions.
When wristwatches first appeared in the early 20th century, they were little more than pocket watches with lugs soldered on. Cartier broke convention by introducing shaped cases—Tonneau, Tortue, and Tank—that would become milestones of horological design.
The present example, however, is no ordinary model, but a rarely found Rectangulaire. Produced in the 1970s, it features a rare rounded case without lugs, most likely retailed by Cartier Paris, as confirmed by the crisp eagle head hallmark on the case. Its extra-slim profile and integrated leather strap ensure it sits beautifully on the wrist, while the dial is distinguished by an unusual Cartier signature font. Even rarer is the Vacheron Constantin movement, showing how Cartier had outsourced their movements in the past. The present watch is prominently displayed in Cartier White Bianco by Osvaldo Patrizzi, page 189, Antiquorum Editions.
Literature
Cartier
FrenchWith 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.
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