{"product_id":"cartier-paris-yellow-gold-openface-black-galvanic-dial-circa-1930","title":"Cartier, Paris Openface Keyless Lever Watch, Yellow Gold, Black Galvanic Dial, Circa 1930","description":"\u003cp data-source-line=\"45-45\"\u003eAmong early \u003cstrong\u003eCartier Paris\u003c\/strong\u003e timepieces, watches of this character occupy a highly distinctive place. Produced circa 1930, the present openface keyless lever watch combines slim \u003cstrong\u003eyellow gold\u003c\/strong\u003e construction with an unusually sophisticated dial treatment that sets it apart even within the refined standards of early Cartier production. Its 45 mm \u003cstrong\u003e18k yellow gold\u003c\/strong\u003e case is elegantly proportioned and fitted with a polished back engraved with a \u003cstrong\u003ecoat of arms beneath the crest of a plumed helmet\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the pendant and bow retain French assay marks and rubbed Edmond Jaeger punch marks. These details contribute to the watch’s strong period identity and reinforce its appeal as an important \u003cstrong\u003evintage Cartier gold watch\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-source-line=\"47-47\"\u003eThe dial is the element that most clearly defines the watch’s rarity. Sotheby’s describes the \u003cstrong\u003eblack galvanic dial\u003c\/strong\u003e as exceptionally rare for a Cartier watch of this period and explains the demanding process by which it was made: a mirror-polished dial base first received a gilded surface, after which areas of the minute track and seconds track were protected by épargne varnish before successive galvanic black coatings were applied. The protected sections were then revealed, leaving the contrasting gilded calibrations visible beneath the dark surface, before the dial was finished with protective lacquer and fitted with handmade gold \u003cstrong\u003eBreguet numerals\u003c\/strong\u003e. The result is a dial of unusual richness and technical sophistication, combining decorative beauty with the tactile evidence of hand production. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-source-line=\"49-49\"\u003eVisually, the composition is both restrained and highly expressive. The applied gold \u003cstrong\u003eBreguet numerals\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epearled outer minute track\u003c\/strong\u003e, recessed subsidiary seconds with gilded Arabic numerals, and \u003cstrong\u003egilded cathedral hands\u003c\/strong\u003e give the watch a distinctly classical vocabulary, while the black dial creates an uncommon sense of depth and contrast. Sotheby’s further notes that the dial was almost certainly manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eStern Frères of Geneva\u003c\/strong\u003e, carefully presenting this as an attribution rather than a signed certainty. Even framed in that cautious way, the observation adds meaningful context for collectors attentive to dial quality and early 20th-century production standards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-source-line=\"51-51\"\u003ePowering the watch is a \u003cstrong\u003e17’’’ mechanical movement\u003c\/strong\u003e signed \u003cstrong\u003eEuropean Watch and Clock Co. Inc.\u003c\/strong\u003e, finished with \u003cstrong\u003eCôtes de Genève\u003c\/strong\u003e, fitted with \u003cstrong\u003e19 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e, a \u003cstrong\u003elever escapement\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebi-metallic compensation balance\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eBreguet hairspring\u003c\/strong\u003e, and adjusted to \u003cstrong\u003e8 positions\u003c\/strong\u003e. This traditional movement specification reinforces the watch’s seriousness as an early precision timepiece, while the overall presentation preserves the quiet elegance one expects from a rare \u003cstrong\u003eCartier Paris pocket watch\u003c\/strong\u003e of the interwar period. Accompanied by its \u003cstrong\u003eCartier presentation box\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003etravelling pouch\u003c\/strong\u003e, this example offers rarity, visual distinction, and strong collector relevance in equal measure. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-source-line=\"53-53\"\u003eInspected by our team of watch specialists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-source-line=\"55-55\"\u003eLocated in Dubai, UAE, with worldwide insured shipping available via Ferrari Logistics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HORAMUNDI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55369505308964,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0872\/8222\/1348\/files\/Cartier_ParisAnextremelyrareandslimyellowgoldopenfacekeylessleverwatchwithblackgalvanicdial_Circa1930frontview.jpg?v=1782637140","url":"https:\/\/horamundi.com\/fr\/products\/cartier-paris-yellow-gold-openface-black-galvanic-dial-circa-1930","provider":"HORAMUNDI","version":"1.0","type":"link"}