Cartier Art Deco Guillotine Purse Watch

Originally created as a purse watch, this “Guillotine” purse watch (montre de sac à guillotine) by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class all its own. Crafted of 18K yellow gold, no detail was spared by the famed firm in creating a high-quality, luxury timepiece. The cream-colored square dial, signed “Cartier France,” features blued steel Breguet hands and is flanked by three gold pyramid accents on each side. The onyx roman numerals, rendered in a bold and highly modern typeset, transform as they wrap the perimeter of the dial, creating a geometric Art Deco design. What sets this timepiece apart as a masterpiece of Cartier craftsmanship is the gold-ribbed shutters for the dial, activated with a push of two blue enamel buttons. This coveted feature would allow the owner to carry the watch with them each day, whether in a purse or pocket, without worrying about scratching the dial’s fine surface.

The Cartier tradition of clock and watchmaking extends almost as far back as the founding of the company in 1898. Cartier’s clocks and watches were manufactured with an emphasis on technical perfection, fashionable aesthetics and originality. At first a secondary activity, Cartier’s definitive approach to l’horlogerie quickly became a point of prestige for this famed company.

Dial marked “CARTIER FRANCE”

Circa 1935

1 2/3″ high x 1 1/8″ wide (28mm)