Cartier. A rare and early lady's 18K gold manual wind tonneau form wristwatch
Model: Tortue
Reference: 3457
Date: London Import Mark for 1923
Movement: 19-jewel manual wind, adjusted to 8 positions
Dial: White, black Roman numerals, black outer minute track with 5 minute markers, blued steel Breguet style hands
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, back secured by 4 screws in the band, monogram to back, cabochon set crown, No.13487
Strap/Bracelet: Black fabric
Buckle/Clasp: Folding clasp
Signed: Dial signed Cartier, movement signed European Watch & Clock Company, case stamped JC for Jacques Cartier
Size: 18mm x 25mm
Accompaniments: Cartier box
Footnotes:
The Cartier Tortue has remained in the brand's repertoire for over a century after Louis Cartier first designed the piece in 1912. French for turtle, the Tortue has a gently curved case and traditionally was a time-only piece. The current lot is an excellent example of an early Tortue and with a hallmark for 1923 it has successfully made it to 100 years old! Appropriate for its age it is stamped E.W.C for European Watch Company and JC for Jacques Cartier.

Despite being a centenarian it is still a very wearable and contemporary-looking piece. A beautifully preserved example of an early wristwatch and as elegant today as when it was first created.

Movement: Runs when wound
Dial: Patchy and discoloured throughout with prominent losses of paint mainly to signature and outer minute track, section of track between 8 and 9 appears to have been repainted at some point, stain to edge by 7, small scratch below centre
Hands: Minor losses to blueing visible under a loupe
Glass: Slightly loose, small scratch by 11, further light surface scratches visible under a loupe
Case: Surface scratches throughout, bars added later
Strap/Bracelet: Associated, used, fraying in places
Buckle/Clasp: Surface scratches

We do not test any watches for their accuracy and as such timekeeping cannot be guaranteed.

We advise that if you are bidding on a watch, that you or your agents are completely satisfied with the condition of the lot. We recommend that all watches are serviced and polished after the sale as they are handled throughout the viewing period. Please note that although Bonhams endeavour to include reference to any replacement parts within our Condition Reports we cannot confirm that each individual element of the watch is original or that, if replaced, the replacement has been made using original manufacturer's parts.

Please note that due to the UK leaving the European Union there will be further import charges applicable if you are based in the EU. Please do familiarise yourself with local duties.