26 Cartier Historical Important, and Well Preserved, Half-hunter Pocket Watch in Platinum, Roman Enamel Indexes, With Box and Chain, Personal gift from King Edward VIII to his private secretary, Godfrey Thomas

Estimate: €40,000 –⁠ 80,000

Model: Pocket Watch
Case Material: Platinum and Enamel
Year: 1924
Movement: Manual
Case N°: 11824 - 45569
Dimensions: 49 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box, Chain and Copy of Cartier Archives

This Cartier platinum and enamel pocket watch, made in the 1924, is not only a technical marvel but also a piece of significant historical importance. Measuring 49 mm and featuring a sleek half-hunter case design in platinum, with enamel Roman numerals on the front case used to check the time without open it. The back of the case is engraved with a unicorn, a symbol from the Coat of Arms of the Prince of Wales, further emphasizing its royal provenance. This unique feature ties it directly to Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII. The inscription inside the case “G.T. from E.P. 11-IX-24” reveals that this watch was a personal gift from Edward to his private secretary, Godfrey Thomas, on Thomas’s wedding day, September 11, 1924. Such a gift from the Prince of Wales demonstrates their close relationship and the personal nature of this extraordinary timepiece. Edward VIII was known for his refined and avant-garde taste, especially in fashion and accessories, and Cartier was one of his favorite luxury brands. The prince and his eventual wife, Wallis Simpson, were regular clients of Cartier, and their purchases and patronage significantly influenced Cartier’s prominence within royal circles. Born in 1894, Edward became Prince of Wales in 1911 and was a well-known figure in European society long before his brief reign as King in 1936. Edward’s reign is most famously remembered for his abdication, he was the first British monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne. In 1921, Cartier became the official jeweler to the Prince of Wales, a title that boosted the brand’s status internationally. The watch he gifted to Godfrey Thomas in 1924 fits perfectly within this narrative of custom, high-end creations meant for those within his close circle. This is no ordinary pocket watch, it is a symbol of royal favor, luxury, and an era when craftsmanship was paramount. Given that 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the watch’s gifting, this piece is not only a collector’s dream but also a significant relic of 20th-century history. The story of Edward VIII, both as the Prince of Wales and later as the Duke of Windsor, adds another layer of complexity to this watch. Edward’s reign may have been brief, but his impact on fashion, style, and his personal relationships left an indelible mark. His decision to abdicate reshaped the British monarchy and his subsequent life with Wallis Simpson, filled with luxury and travel, is often seen as a reflection of his priorities—choosing love and personal fulfillment over royal duty. This Cartier watch, a gift from one of the most intriguing figures in modern British history and represents a window into the life of Edward VIII and the personal relationships that shaped his world.