The Magical Art of Cartier

Geneva, Nov 19, 1996

LOT 611

Gentleman's diamond octagonal skeleton wristwatch Circa 1980-1982

CHF 260,000 - 300,000

USD 220,000 - 260,000

Sold: CHF 289,500

Octagonal shaped case centering an octagonal tableeut diamond watch crystal framed with a border of large calibré-eut diamonds (square-cut and modified square-cuts), the sides of the case set with steppedcut diamonds, the diamond tipped winding-crown flanked on each sicle by baguettecut diamonds, all chanel-set in platinum, with 18K white gold deployant clasp. Transparent dial. "Bâton" blued steel hands. Skeletonized and engraved, rhodium plated, 11"' movement, 18 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring. Measuring approx. 29 x 34 mm. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2611.


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Notes

The diamond forming the watch crystal in this piece is exceptionally rare, as it is extremely difficult to find such a large and pure diamond crystal from which it had to have been eut. Apart from it's incredible size and purity, the cutting of this store, being one of most difficult nits to polish, is another impressive aspect of this finely made piece. Designed as a special commission, only 4 of these wristwatches were ever made, each one different from the next; one was made with sapphires, one with rubies, one with diamonds and one with emeralds. Equally noteworthy is the fact that skeletonized movements are uncommon in Cartier's writswatches and these octagonally shaped movements were specially made for these four. The sapphire watch and the diamond watch are, therefore, unique and are extremely rare and collectable.