THE GOLD OVAL WATCH, COMPASS AND SUNDIAL, CARTIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1939

The circular silvered dial with Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands, outer minute track, the gold oval case inscribed beneath the dial, 'No excuse for going in the wrong direction Easter 1939 , case reverse engraved with time divisions for the sundial and with a pink gold hinged gnomon, inset with a compass, manual wind movement signed European Watch & Clock Co, 18 jewels, dial and movement signed Cartier, measurements approximately: length 45mm, width 33mm, together with a fitted crocodile cover and key ring fob.
 

Cf: Sotheby's, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Geneva, Friday 3rd April 1987, Lot 134.

Cf: J. Barracca, G. Negretti and F. Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Italy, 1989, p.198 and 199 for a similar example of a pocket watch with compass and solar dial, engraved with a monogram and surmounted by a Count's coronet.

Cf: A King's Story, The Memoirs of H.R.H. The Duke of Windsor, K.G, London, 1953, pages 237 -242, the chapter entitled The Heart Has Its Reasons.

PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT GUARANTEE WATCH MOVEMENTS The manual winding movement running at time of cataloguing but may benefit from a professional service. Dial tarnished with some light scratches, case with light scuffs throughout consistent with age and wear. Hinged gnomon in good condition. Compass in working order but may stick occasionally. Key fob stamped with French assay marks for 18 carat gold. Fitted crocodile cover and key ring fob, please note these are made of a restricted species and will require export papers for shipping outside of the European Union, marks and scuffs to polished gold. Accompanied by modern Cartier case, not fitted and original tag for the lot when sold in 1987 at Sotheby's. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It was early in 1939 that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, having previously hoped to return to live in England, finally found a house in Paris which suited their needs. 'It was on the Boulevard Suchet,' so wrote the Duchess, 'at the end of Avenue Henri Martin, not far from the Bois de Boulogne... [It] was airy and sunny, in the Louis Seize style, with windows all around and a charming courtyard, and when I showed it to David he smiled and said, "I see that it's going to be the city for us, after all."