31 Cartier A fascinating, highly collectible and possibly unique, Rectangulaire à Pattes, wristwatch in palladium, with bracelet and pink gold clasp, published in Osvaldo Patrizzi's book 'White Cartier Bianco.'

Estimate: € 50,000 –⁠ 100,000

A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.

This exceptional and historically significant Cartier wristwatch embodies the timeless elegance and refined aesthetic that have made the Maison an icon in haute horlogerie. Crafted out of Palladium, a remarkable material used by Cartier in the 1950s, it showcases a rectangular case exuding a striking presence. Palladium, a rare and lustrous white metal, has been used in watchmaking for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and naturally bright sheen. Sharing many of the desirable properties of platinum it is significantly lighter, making it an attractive choice for luxury timepieces that balance robustness with wearability. Its clean lines and understated proportions reflecting Cartier’s mastery of form are further kept intact with the utilization of an incorporated winding crown on its case back. The dial, a quintessential display of the brand’s signature design language, features bold Roman numerals, a finely executed railway minute track, and blued steel hands, elements that together create an unmistakable Cartier identity. Over time, the surface of the dial has gracefully aged, developing an enchanting patina that speaks to the watch’s storied past. The bracelet, also known as “a petites mailles” is extremely rare and also crafted from Palladium with a signed pink gold deployant clasp. Executed with remarkable precision, it certainly enhances the watch’s seamless aesthetic and further elevates its exclusivity. Inside, the timepiece is made alive thanks to its manual Duo-plan caliber 409, made by European Watch & Clock Company (EWC). For the astute collector, recent research suggests that due to the absence of dedicated palladium hallmarks in the mid ’50s, when the metal was exceptionally rare, Cartier instead applied white-gold hallmarks, as no official palladium standard existed at the time and was only recognized as a precious metal in more recent times. Every aspect of this piece, from proportions, details, and tactile quality underscores the Maison’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence. A rare and distinguished timepiece, this Cartier wristwatch is not merely an instrument of timekeeping but a true collector’s treasure, steeped in history and elegance. To further add to its allure, the present timepiece is further showcased in Osvaldo Patrizzi’s book “White Cartier Bianco”.