Cartier Gold Acte Mistere Pocket Watch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Case Shape:Square
- Case Dimensions:Diameter: 1.63 in (41.41 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New Orleans, LA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Cartier Art Deco Pocket WatchBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAA study in classic Art Deco design, this pocket watch was crafted by the famed Cartier. Housed in an 18K gold open face case, the timepiece boasts a sleek design adorned by light blue guilloche enameling on the reverse. The white face tells the time with black enamel Arabic numerals and Bregeut-style hands, while a border of blue guilloche enamel lends it a hint of color. The Cartier tradition...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Enamel
- Grande Sonnerie Pocket Watch by MontandonLocated in New Orleans, LAThis rare grande sonnerie quarter-hour repeating pocket watch crafted by Swiss firm Montandon is an impressive work of horology that is as handsome as ...Category
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Minute Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch by A. LugrinLocated in New Orleans, LACrafted by Swiss watchmaker Alfred Lugrin, this exceptional minute repeating, triple-date chronograph is a specimen of precision timekeeping. Housed in a sleek 18K yellow gold hunter...Category
Antique 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Steel
- Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Pocket Watch by Redard & Co.Located in New Orleans, LAThis stylish and complex perpetual calendar minute-repeating chronometer pocket watch was created by the Swiss firm of H. Redard & Co. Its 18K...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant WatchBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAA study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of platinum with a jet bezel, the timepiece features pierced hands and painted Arabic numerals on the dial. Diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat add a timeless finish and brilliance to the creation. The Cartier tradition...Category
20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip WatchBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAThis striking Cartier watch clip epitomizes the Art Deco style. Sophisticated and chic, this fashionable timepiece features a dial and clip of onyx, while s...Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Pocket Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
- Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1920s Cartier pocket Watch, 46 MM Diameter and 4.5 MM thick 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece case. Blue and White Guilloche Enamel. Mechanical, Manua...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Yellow Gold Antique Square 29 Jewels Repeater Pocket WatchBy CartierLocated in Sherman Oaks, CAManufacturer: Société Cartier Watch type: 29 Jewels Repeater Serial number: 3169 Case number: 72 198 Yellow Gold Square Cartier Case Case features a pull-out lever, located at the 8 o'clock position, to activate the repeater function Original White Cartier Dial with Cobalt Blue Hands (M,H) Dial labeled with Cartier and France Original Cartier Repeater...Category
20th Century French Pocket Watches
MaterialsGold
- Cartier 1920s Platinum and Diamond EWC Pocket WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1920s Cartier Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. Platinum 3 Piece case with Diamond set case perimeter, approximately 2 Carats. Jeweled Nickel lever mech...Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Longines Yellow Gold Pocket WatchBy LonginesLocated in Berlin, DEHigh quality collector's pocket watch by Longines. Including original case. Hallmarked, 18k gold. Extremely rare collector's watch. The clock works. Dial unfortunately damaged between 4 and 5 o'clock. Glass has a crack between 9 and 10 o'clock. 18k Gold Longines Pocket Watch...Category
Early 20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Pocket Watch 18k High Polish Yellow GoldBy Patek PhilippeLocated in Surfside, FLPatek Philippe pocket watch in 18k high polish yellow gold. Watch dial features gold applied Arabic numeral markers and sub-second dial. Manual wind. 42 mm case size. Circa 1926. Includes archive papers. Fine Pre-owned Patek Philippe Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Patek Philippe pocket watch...Category
Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Gold Pocket WatchBy Tiffany & Co.Located in New York, NYA two-sided Tiffany & Co. gold pocket watch. - Signed Tiffany & Co. New York - 1899 - Serial No. 99103 - Weight: 44.5 grams - Length and width: 3.5 ...Category
Antique 1890s American Pocket Watches
MaterialsGold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.