Decagonal | A rare and highly unusual yellow gold 10-sided wristwatch, Circa 1965-66
Cartier, London
Decagonal
A rare and highly unusual yellow gold 10-sided wristwatch, Circa 1965-66
Dial: white dial signed Cartier, stretched black radial Roman numerals, blued steel épée hands
Calibre: 9’’’ Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre P838 movement signed Cartier, lever escapement, 18 jewels, annular balance, adjusted to 3 positions, flat hairspring
Movement number: main plate numbered 1'647'457
Case: 18k yellow gold case, decagonally shaped curved and faceted bezel, concealed lugs, beaded cabochon-set crown, case back secured by a screw between each pair of lugs
Case number: bezel interior etch numbered • 10093 •, inside case back with London hallmarks for 18k gold and dated letter ‘k’ for 1965-66, hand stamped 7'076, Subsidiary Stock No. • 10093 •
Closure: brown unsigned leather strap and 18k gold deployant buckle numbered 1'623, London hallmarks and date letter ‘r’ for 1972-73
Size: 31 mm width
Accessories: Cartier presentation box and travelling pouch
The unconventional decagonal-shaped case of this Cartier wristwatch represents a striking departure from traditional circular or rectangular designs. Bold yet harmonious, its distinctive geometry highlights the creative exploration of shape and form undertaken at Cartier’s London workshops during this highly experimental period. Concealed lugs ensure the case’s architectural integrity remains uninterrupted, allowing the striking decagonal form, with its interplay of curves and peaks, to take centre stage. Contrasting yet perfectly balanced in its minimalism, the white dial features Cartier’s traditional Roman numerals and slender épée hands, exuding understated sophistication and enduring elegance.
In 1967, this model was featured in the Time Bazaar list of ‘winners’ under the category “Watches for All Seasons.” It was described as offering the “big look of luxury in a 10-sided 18-carat gold watch with a cabochon jewel in the winder and large Roman numerals; £230 at Cartier, Bond St.”
Our research has identified only five known examples from the market, all in a men’s size—an unusual finding, as Cartier London models from this era were typically produced in both men’s and ladies’ versions. The other recorded Decagonal wristwatches all appear to date from 1970–72 meaning this particular watch is contemporaneous with the model’s inclusion in the 1967 Time Bazaar list.
Notably, this is one of the earliest avant-garde Cartier London designs from the Maison’s most experimental period, generally recognised as spanning 1966–74. As such, it appears to predate even the famous London Crash model and marks the early stages of Cartier London’s bold and unconventional exploration of modernist wristwatch design.卡地亞 倫敦 Decagonal 罕有及非常獨特黃金十邊形腕錶，約1965-66年製 附帶盒子及旅行袋子
