Important Watches
Important Watches
Property From a Private Collector, Texas
Cartier
Asymétrique, A very rare and early yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch, Circa 1939 卡地亞 Asymétrique 極罕有早期黃金不對稱腕錶，約1939年製
Auction Closed
December 9, 06:15 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Asymétrique
A very rare and early yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch, Circa 1939
Dial: silvered
Caliber:European Watch Co mechanical, 15 jewels
Movement Number: 65'665
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back
Case number: 76'174
Closure: 18k pink and yellow gold Cartier deployant buckle, no. 12'001
Size: 24 mm width
Signed: dial signed Cartier, case and movement numbered and signed European Watch Co
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Cartier pouch
Cartier is the master of shaped wristwatches, playing with daring configurations that are now iconic amongst collectors today. From the rectangular Tank and square Santos, to the unique and striking Crash, Cartier has not only mastered shaped watches, but also worked to celebrate their iconic models throughout the years with re-editions.
The Asymétrique is an early triumph in daring shapes. First introduced in 1936, this is the only dress watch to feature an asymmetrical design. Timepieces featuring this angled dial are often racing or aviation watches. The present lot is circa 1938, and a similar piece is depicted in Barraceau, Negnetti & Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, 1989, p. 211.
In today's secondary market various re-edition models have appeared. The present lot marks a rare occasion of an early and well preserved piece from the original launch of the model.