A pocket watch for a king from the jeweller of kings
Yesterday I picked up this total museum piece.
Ultra thin art deco Cartier pocket watch, with Serbian crest enamelled on the reverse.
Purchased from an aristocratic owner whose family were likely gifted it by the original owner.
I’m kind of speechless with it really. A real piece fit for a king - maybe even gifted by a king. From that magical period of Cartier when they were designing their icons (probably about 1915.)
It’s also said that Cartier used Faberge enamelers at this time. So another epic connection.
I’ve sat it next to my tank so you can see how thin it is. Given the tank is only 6mm.
Edit: I’ve removed references to Imperial Russia as @nenadp has pointed out the clear Serbian crest - thanks!
Fairly new to watch collecting. Super fast collecting journey! I've had a bit of everything, small gold pretty watches, large rugged watches, vintage British field watches. From Casio to Patek and eve...
That’s crazy thin.
The Russians would go crazy for a piece like that at a high end auction house, excellent acquisition!
That's proper beautiful, thank you for posting 😍👑
That looks like a Serbian crest. It has the four firesteels in the cross.
That looks like a Serbian crest. It has the four firesteels in the cross.
Oooh tell me more.. the Tsar Nicholas attribution is only assumed as his relative and Nicholas were kicking around together at the time. So it may well be from a different associate..
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_I_of_Serbia
Maybe related to this fellow (or his court at least)
Thanks for sharing, it is stunning and interesting.
Looks like Cartier was appointed to be official purveyor to King I of Serbia in 1913 and the Serbia crest changed in 1918 - so that gives a 5 year window for the watch (right around when the Tank came out so my photo of the watch thickness is very apt!)
Every time someone calls Cartier a fashion brand they should be directed to this post. I have a pocket watch of the same era that is as thick as a filet mignon.
Every time someone calls Cartier a fashion brand they should be directed to this post. I have a pocket watch of the same era that is as thick as a filet mignon.
The watch repairer who worked on this thought the movement may be Breguet. I can see similar watchers that were EWC though. So who knows. I’m getting sent some movement photos.
Quite. A. Thing.
that’s a beautiful piece of history. and a great timepiece from Cartier! make sure you have documentation to prove the provenance from the family. notarizing such documentation could be useful in the future if the provenance of the piece is ever in question.
I'm not totally up on the standard pocket watch sizes, but am I correct in thinking this is a somewhat smaller one (16 being common, I think).
I'm always intrigued by these slender, long-linked watch chains that just stopped being done at some point.
Amazing find, thanks for sharing it with us!
The watch repairer who worked on this thought the movement may be Breguet. I can see similar watchers that were EWC though. So who knows. I’m getting sent some movement photos.
Quite. A. Thing.
The hands appear to be Breguet. I'd love to know what the movement is when you find out.
I'm not totally up on the standard pocket watch sizes, but am I correct in thinking this is a somewhat smaller one (16 being common, I think).
I'm always intrigued by these slender, long-linked watch chains that just stopped being done at some point.
About 5cm
Congratulations on an absolutely beautiful vintage timepiece.
Wow, that is absolutely awesome. Huge congrats on an amazing pickup!!
A couple more photos
What a special piece, thank you for sharing!
46.6m case and 4.8m thickness
Slick looking PW. does it still run or does it need a service? Cartier was on top of there’s game every back when huh 🤔
Very cool post
Slick looking PW. does it still run or does it need a service? Cartier was on top of there’s game every back when huh 🤔
Very cool post
It was serviced just before I got it so it’s running well..
It was serviced just before I got it so it’s running well..
Nice