CARTIER WATCH BRACELET
Established in Paris in 1847, Cartier began as a jewelry and watchmaking workshop by Lou-is-François Cartier. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and royal clientele, Cartier quickly rose to prominence in the late 19th century. As both a watchmaker and a jewelry maker, Cartier crafted exquisite pieces for women in the early 19th century, blending the skills of both trades. A prime example is the jewel watch, epitomizing Cartier’s craftsmanship and the symbiosis between jewelry and watchmaking.
The Cartier Jewel watch presented here is a captivating find for Cartier collectors. Rarely appearing on the market, Cartier Jewel watches embody the artistry and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. This particular example is a remarkably unique jewel watch, likely a challenging feat to manufacture in the mid-1900s due to its intricate structure and combination of materials. Functioning as both a bracelet and a concealed watch, it employs a sophisticated elastic mechanical system. When inactive, the watch remains hidden within the bracelet’s design. Activation is achieved by pushing a section adorned with three diamond-studded stripes, revealing a stunning timepiece. This mechanical watch features rear charging and an Arabic numeral dial, bearing the mark “Made in France” on both the dial and case-back.
PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA REF. 2508 MINT CONDITION
The Patek Philippe reference 2508 marked the brand’s first foray into sports watches. With its 35mm waterproof case, it was designed for professional use, setting it apart from other Patek Philippe wristwatches of the time with non-waterproof cases. Introduced in 1951, it was a significant achievement for Patek Philippe to create a truly water-resistant timepiece. This was largely due to the screw-back caseback, a departure from the snap-back cases typically used in Patek Philippe watches until then. The 2508 paved the way for other iconic Patek Philippe wristwatch models with waterproof characteristics, such as the renowned 2526, 2552, and 565, but it was the first of its kind. Powered by the renowned caliber 27SC (SC for Secondes au Centre), the reference 2508 notably features center seconds. Un-doubtedly, the Patek Philippe 2508 is one of the most sought-after and revered vintage Calatrava models among collectors, especially when found in astonishing condition like the present example.
This Patek Philippe wristwatch, reference 2508, stands as a remarkable specimen of this iconic waterproof Patek Philippe Calatrava. Preserved in exceptional, untouched condition, it boasts an impeccably crisp case with deep hallmarks and original factory finishes. The dial remains remarkably well-preserved, retaining its untouched, unrestored state. The glass likely remains original, displaying the typical signs of aging expected from 1950s-era time-pieces. Furthermore, the movement, caliber 27SC, is in excellent condition, likely due to regular servicing by highly skilled watchmakers over time. The lugs exhibit an incredibly sharp, and despite its age and the lack of polishing, the watch shows only a few signs of wear and small dings. Fully original, impeccably preserved, and accurate for its year of manufacture, this timepiece serves as a testament to the iconic Calatrava reference it rep-resents.
The watch is accompanied by a matching 18kt gold anonymous elastic bracelet, which was added at some point over the years.
Diameter 35mm, Movement Serial Number 705,XXX , Year 1955 circa
PIAGET BETA 21 YELLOW GOLD
The Beta 21 movement was a significant development in the world of horology. It was one of the earliest attempts in Switzerland at creating a quartz movement for wristwatches and was introduced in 1969 by the Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH), a consortium of Swiss watchmakers. The Beta 21 movement marked a departure from traditional mechanical movements, as it relied on quartz crystals to regulate timekeeping. This resulted in much higher accuracy compared to mechanical movements. The Beta 21 movement was utilized by numerous prestigious watch brands of its time, including Omega, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Piaget, and others. Despite its limitations, such as its relatively large size and high power consumption, watches equipped with the Beta 21 caliber, like the present Piaget, have evolved into genuine horological treasures over the years, cherished by collectors enamored with that era.
The present Piaget is an incredibly imposing and remarkable piece, crafted from solid gold into a bulky and weighty Piaget wristwatch. Most likely produced in the late 1970s, this watch would have commanded an incredible list price at the time, not only due to its re-markable gold craftsmanship for the case and bracelet but also because of its inclusion of the famous Beta 21 caliber. Although quartz movements are often perceived as inexpensive in today’s world, during its time, the Beta 21 was considered a true marvel of Swiss horology. Therefore, the combination of the Beta 21 movement and the massive gold construction could fetch an astounding price at official Piaget stores. The overall aesthetic is exceedingly beautiful, with an elegantly elongated rectangular case meticulously finished. The bracelet is a masterpiece, featuring a hidden clasp and likely entirely crafted by hand. In excellent condition, likely worn only on special occasions, this Piaget has reached the present day in an unpolished state, retaining all original factory finishes. Additionally, the Beta 21 caliber has been meticulously inspected and is in perfect working order. This watch is sure to bring a broad smile to its next caretaker when worn.
Wrist size: Approximately 18 cm, with one removable link.
Weight: 213 g
ALAIN SILBERSTEIN TOURBILLON VOLANT LIMITED EDITION
Alain Silberstein is a French watchmaker known for his distinctive and colorful watch de-signs. He founded his eponymous brand in the late 1980s, gaining recognition for his playful and avant-garde approach to watchmaking. Silberstein’s timepieces often feature bold geometric shapes, primary colors, and whimsical designs, drawing inspiration from modern art and architecture. His most famous models are the Krono Bauhaus 1 and 2 , the Marine Krono, the Bolido, but his most coveted creations by collectors are are those featuring highly intricate mechanical mechanisms, such as the present model boasting a Tourbillon complication. In recent years, Silberstein has forged collaborations with like-minded vi-sionaries in the horological realm. Partnerships include ventures with MB&F, resulting in the HM2.2 Black Box (2009) and the LM1 Silberstein (2016), as well as a collaboration with Louis Erard in 2023.
The present Alain Silberstein Tourbillon represents an exceedingly rare and significant model, produced in a limited edition of just 200 pieces. Its most remarkable feature is the tourbillon—a rarity within the realm of Alain Silberstein watches, typically found in very few examples and exclusive production runs. Reflecting Silberstein’s early design ethos and creativity, the case and stylistic elements embody the Bauhaus aesthetic, reinterpreted in his signature fashion. The round case, with minimalist lugs, and the skeletonized dial adorned with Silberstein’s characteristic geometric and colorful hands, exemplify his distinctive style. Exceptionally preserved, the watch exhibits minimal signs of wear, with its mechanism functioning flawlessly. In addition to the tourbillon, the watch also features a calendar complication, further enhancing its mechanical complexity. Undoubtedly, this timepiece is a remarkable addition to any discerning collector’s ensemble, epitomizing extravagance and rarity.
Original box included.
PATEK PHILIPPE JUMPING HOURS REF. 3969 LIMITED EDITION FULL SET
The reference 3969 was produced on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Patek Philippe. It was produced in 1989 in an edition of only 450 pieces in pink gold and is an extremely rare and sought-after watch among collectors. Its main feature is that it is a jumping hour watch, a very prestigious complication in watchmaking. The tonneau-shaped case has a special engraving on the back commemorating the anniversary. Being a limited series, it is quite difficult to find on the market these watches still complete with the original box and papers set and in excellent condition like this one.
This Patek Philippe Jumping Hours ref. 3969 is an example in excellent condition. The dial is perfect and flawless, the case is most likely never polished still coming with deep gold stamps and the original factory finishing, the caliber 215 jumping hours works perfectly.
The watch comes with original box and warranty.