ULTRA RARE!

Lady's Solid Platinum Cartier Backwind Watch!

Circa 1956 w/Solid Platinum Case

This gorgeous solid platinum/diamond Cartier DuoPlan backwind watch was produced approximately 1956 and was one of the finest watches ever offered by Cartier. These are extremely rare watches and were affordable at the time by only the very wealthy. Very few of these watches were produced. Most of the ones that survived are displayed in watch museums or tucked away permanently in private collections. Here's your chance to own a very rare and collectible piece of watch history... a luxurious watch that you'll never see on anyone else's wrist.

The watch is composed entirely of platinum (currently trading at $2,200 per ounce... about 3x the price of 18 karat gold). The case, band rondelles and clasp are all solid platinum and original to the watch. The rectangular case is 33mm long and 11mm wide at the center, tapering to 6mm at the lugs. There are (8) large 3pt diamonds (VS clarity) mounted above and below the dial, totaling approximately 1/4 carat. The watch has clean elegant lines with the winding crown located on the back. The back of the case has a presentation engraving: "G.A. 1957". It is also factory engraved with the numbers "991" and "7256". There are no other markings or hallmarks anywhere on the case, inner movement holder, rondelles or clasp. The entire watch is original Cartier with the exception of the black cord used in the band. I have the original (worn) black cord material and will supply it with the watch.

The dial of the watch has been kept original (for reasons of collectibity), however we can have it professionally refinished to new condition, if the buyer prefers. The dial shows natural even patina and a small loss of print, particularly near the "6" area. It is signed "Cartier" and has the model name "DuoPlan" on the dial.

In addition to the elegant case design, this Cartier backwind watch also represents an important milestone in the history of watchmaking. As watch manufacturers raced during the 1920s/30s to see who could design the smallest mechanical movement, Edmond Jaeger (Cartier's chief designer) took a novel approach and designed a watch movement that incorporated a unique 2-level design (hence the name "DuoPlan") that allowed for a smaller movement while simultaneously allowing more room for a larger mainspring (longer power reserve) and a larger balance wheel (greater timekeeping precision). These DuoPlan movements were manufactured by Cartier in their "European Watch & Clock Company" manufacturing facility, which was run by Jaeger.

The 15-jewel Cartier duoplan backwind movement (signed E.W.&C. Co. INC for European Watch & Clock Company, Cartier's watch manufacturing company) winds, sets and runs nicely, but hasn't been serviced by us. The movement is marked on the side with the serial number 364515. The watch was produced approximately 1956.

The entire watch weighs 21.1 grams (13.5dwt). The case measures approximately 11mm at its widest and tapers to 5mm wide at the lug openings. It measures 33mm long. The black cord band is currently set up for a 7-1/4 inch wrist, but it is easily lengthened/shortened to fit any size wrist. 

SALES TAX
All California shipping addresses must have sales tax added to their Google Checkout invoices.

GUARANTEES
We guarantee that our watches and jewelry are exactly as described. We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. If you receive an item and don't wish to keep it, simply let us know within 7 days of receipt and we'll arrange to take it back and issue an immediate 100% refund. It's that simple! The exception to this rule is when we list an item "as is" in the text description (usually parts or salvage items).

There is no guarantee on "as is" items and these sales are final. All our vintage watches are guaranteed to run unless otherwise stated in the description, however please assume that they may require cleaning or adjustment to keep correct time. If a watch has been recently serviced or timed while in our possession, we'll disclose this in the description.

DOMESTIC SHIPPING
Domestic shipping is by Registered U.S. Postal Priority Mail unless otherwise noted or requested. All shipments are insured. The fixed cost for domestic shipping is $75 USD. Shipping discounts are available on multiple item purchases.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING  
International shipments will shipped via Insured Fed-Ex or U.S. Postal Express Mail (where allowed) and will be charged shipping at our cost (no handling fees). You can obtain an estimate of international shipping cost by visiting www.fedex.com or www.usps.com. We will e-mail the winning bidder at the end of the auction with the exact shipping cost. Buyer is responsible for all duties and taxes. We will not falsify customs documents.

SOLD!