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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Cartier 'Guillotine' minute-repeating dress watch

Partially verified

This 18k yellow gold manual-wind open-face pocket watch, manufactured circa 1910, is identified by the name "Guillotine" in Cartier's manufacturing records. The watch features a unique shutter mechanism consisting of spring-loaded polished gold covers that conceal the matted silver dial, which are operated by a coaxial button integrated into the crown. The case, measuring 48.5 mm in diameter, contains a 40 mm caliber produced by the European Watch & Clock Co. This movement is rhodium-plated with 'fausses cotes' decoration, 29 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance with eight adjustments. It includes a minute-repeater complication activated via a slide in the case band. The exterior of the case displays a small blue enamel coat of arms. The piece is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Exterior view showing the closed gold shutters and the blue enamel coat of arms.
Exterior view showing the closed gold shutters and the blue enamel coat of arms. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
444
Source-reported date
Circa 1910
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
14905

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The pocket watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 48.5 mm in diameter. It features a specific mechanism referred to as "Guillotine," which utilizes spring-loaded polished gold shutters to cover the watch face. These shutters are activated by a coaxial button built into the crown, allowing the user to reveal the dial as needed.

The watch dial itself is constructed of matted silver and is inscribed with Arabic numerals. Time is displayed via blued steel Breguet-style hands. The exterior case back is decorated with a small blue enamel coat of arms, providing a distinct visual characteristic to the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “the dial aperture with spring-loaded polished gold shutters activated by pressing the coaxial button in the crown.”
  • “Matted silver dial with Arabic numerals.”
  • “small blue enamel coat of arms on the back”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is powered by a 40 mm caliber movement supplied by the European Watch & Clock Co. The movement is finished with rhodium plating and a 'fausses cotes' decorative pattern. It is constructed with 29 jewels and incorporates a straight-line lever escapement. The timing regulation is managed by a cut bimetallic balance, adjusted in eight positions, and features a Breguet balance spring.

In addition to timekeeping, the watch includes a minute-repeating complication. The repeater function is triggered by a slide mechanism integrated into the side of the case band, allowing the watch to chime the time on internal gongs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber European Watch & Clock Co., 40 mm., rhodium plated, "fausses cotes" decoration, 29 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, eight adjustments, Breguet balance spring.”
  • “Repeating on gongs with slide in the band.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides a grading for the watch components. The case is graded as 3, while the movement and dial are both graded 3-6. The movement and dial are reported to exhibit slight oxidation.

The watch is signed by Cartier on the dial, the case, and the internal movement, confirming its origin within the brand's records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 3 Good Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-6-01 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance of the coat of arms featured on the case back?
  • How many documented examples of the 'Guillotine' model with a minute-repeater complication exist?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier 'Guillotine' minute-repeating dress watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“CARTIER, FRANCE”
Case Number14905“Case No. 14905”
Movement MakerEuropean Watch & Clock Co.“Caliber European Watch & Clock Co.”
Movement TypeManual wind“manual wind”
ComplicationMinute repeater“minute-repeating pocket watch”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Dimensions48.5 mm diameter“Diameter 48,5 mm.”
Dial DescriptionMatted silver“Matted silver dial with Arabic numerals.”

Visible details

  • Blue enamel coat of arms on the case back
  • Coaxial button in the crown for shutter operation
  • Matted silver dial with Arabic numerals
  • Slide for the repeating complication located in the case band

Research qualifications

  • Condition report indicates slight oxidation on the movement and dial
  • Overhaul recommended per auction report

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER, FRANCE, ''GUILLOTINE'' MINUTE REPEATING DRESS WATCH, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7d46f2c4e9

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other minute repeating pocket watch records