Octagonal | A rare yellow gold octagonal wristwatch with original gold deployant buckle and the clasp of matching design, Circa 1972-73
Cartier, London
Octagonal
A rare yellow gold octagonal wristwatch with original gold deployant buckle and the clasp of matching design, Circa 1972-73
Dial: white dial signed Cartier, stretched radial Roman numerals, inner hexagonal black frame, blued steel épée hands
Calibre: 9’’’ calibre P838 circular movement signed Jaeger-LeCoultre, damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, jewelled to the centre, annular balance, flat hairspring, Kif Trior shock absorber
Movement number: main plate numbered 2'122'172
Case: 18k yellow gold octagonally shaped case, concealed lugs to case back, back secured by four screws to case sides, beaded cabochon-set crown,
Case number: case back with engraving beside lower lug ‘2 October 1973’ and numbered 1'306, inside case back with London hallmarks for 18k gold, date letter ‘r’ for 1972-73 and [JC] Jean-Jacques Cartier punch mark
Closure: black unsigned leather strap and 18k gold deployant buckle with half-octagonal-shaped clasp, London hallmarks for 18k gold, date letter ‘r’ for 1972-73, [JC] Jean-Jacques Cartier punch mark and twice numbered 1'306
Size: 32.5 mm width
Accessories: Cartier presentation box and travelling pouch
The unconventional octagonal 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 by designers and craftsmen during this highly experimental period at Cartier’s London workshops. Concealed lugs ensure the case’s architectural integrity remains uninterrupted, allowing the striking octagonal form to take centre stage.
Contrasting yet perfectly balanced in its classic minimalism, the white dial features Cartier’s traditional Roman numerals and slender épée hands, while an inner black linear border subtly echoes the framework of the case. Completing the cohesive and thoughtful design, the original deployant buckle – bearing the same number as the case – features a specially designed half-octagonal peak to the clasp, mirroring the shape of the bezel.
During this period, Cartier’s London workshop delved into the Maison’s extensive archives for inspiration, reinterpreting historic designs in a modern context. The use of an octagonal case was a rare but significant departure from conventional watch forms, yet it was not without precedent. Cartier had occasionally used octagonal-shaped cases in pocket watches during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, demonstrating an early interest in geometric experimentation. By drawing from these past influences while embracing contemporary trends, Cartier London found a way to innovate while remaining deeply connected to the brand’s heritage.卡地亞 倫敦 罕有黃金八角形腕錶，備原裝同設計金錶扣，約1972-73年製 附帶盒子及旅行袋子
