15 Cartier Fresh to the Market, Extremely Rare and Outstanding, London Oval Maxi, Curved Shape Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, With Argentè Roman Numbers Dial

Estimate: €100,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Oval Maxi
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1968
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 840
Case N°: 10759 - 8408
Movement N°: 1 938 468
Dimensions: 30 x 57 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

The present lot is a magnificent exponent of the Oval Maxi family, whose daring design pays tribute to the era of the mid-20th century in London, a time of modern and inspirational innovations. Its extremely generous dimensions with a curved case that could wrap a male wrist represent something totally unconventional for the time and even today could be considered as the non-plus ultra of attractiveness and baldness in watchmaking. The slender case of the present lot has been manufactured in yellow gold and has been preserved in fair and gorgeous conditions with very deep and clearly visible numbers and hallmarks on the back. The dial has the classical Cartier layout with argentè background with painted big black “exploding” Roman numerals. During the 1960s, Audemars Piguet and Jaeger LeCoultre made movements for the iconic jewelry company, Cartier, which sourced the best quality movements to meet their highest quality standards. The present example is fitted with the caliber K 840, a movement made by Jaeger LeCoultre specifically for the model. All the handmade production from the London workshops was very limited and as such they very rarely come to auction, moreover, the case back shows the London hallmark for 1968. It is interesting to notice that the model, back in the days, was originally sold for around 375 (British) pounds through Cartier’s London Bond Street boutique.