Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 2021 Reference No: 4338 Model Name: Cloche Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1917 MC, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Cartier buckle Dimensions: 37.15mm Length and 28.75mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier international limited warranty, Certificate of Origin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Originally produced in the 1920s, the "Cloche", later known as the "Pagode", was a completely novel design for the period. Asymmetrical and designed with a curved side, it most resembled a service bell, made to be rung at a counter. It joins mythic models such as the Cintrée, Crash, Baignoire Allongée, all of which are cornerstones of Cartier's brilliant history.
Due to its unconventional display of time, Cartier has rarely re-issued this model, save for a few special order or unique pieces made in the 1990s. In 2021, the model was revived under the Cartier Privé Collection, and released in platinum, yellow gold and pink gold, with 100 pieces each.
Cased in platinum, the present watch is preserved in excellent and barely worn condition. It is furthermore accompanied by all its original accessories such as the Cartier international limited warranty, Certificate of Origin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
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.
Ref. 4338 A highly attractive and rare limited edition platinum bell-shaped wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, part of a limited edition of 100 pieces
2021 37.15mm Length and 28.75mm Width Case, dial, movement and buckle signed