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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress watch

Cartier Lisa Sotilis 18K Dress Watch

Partially verified

Catalogued as designed by Lisa Sotilis for Cartier circa 1970, this dress wristwatch features an oval blue dial decorated in lapis lazuli style with gilt Roman numerals and hands. The dial is framed by an elongated 5.3 cm broad hammered bi-colour bezel set with sculptural triangular accents. The case is fitted with a tapered black leather strap and textured buckle, stamped 18K and numbered 21043 107. According to the condition report, the watch houses an unadjusted 17-jewel manual movement by Movado with an interior case stamped for Movado Factories Switzerland and 18-carat gold Swiss hallmarks.

Front view of the Cartier dress watch designed by Lisa Sotilis, showing the bi-colour hammered bezel and blue dial
Front view of the Cartier dress watch designed by Lisa Sotilis, showing the bi-colour hammered bezel and blue dial — Dreweatts. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctions.dreweatts.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress watch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36
Source-reported date
circa 1970
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
21043 107

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

Object Identity and Attribution

This dress watch is catalogued by the auctioneer as a piece designed by Lisa Sotilis for Cartier, dated to approximately 1970. The timepiece is identified by the case number 21043 107 and bears an 18K gold stamp.

The auction source documentation provides background on the designer Lisa Sotilis, noting her 1970 contract with Cartier to design watch dials and bezels, and her development of a style she termed 'micro-sculpture'.

Evidence for this section
  • “LISA SOTILIS FOR CARTIER, A DRESS WATCH”
  • “CIRCA 1970”
  • “case numbered 21043 107, stamped 18K”
  • “In 1970, she entered an exclusive contract with Cartier to design watch dials and bezels.”

Dial and Exterior Observations

The watch features an oval dial described as 'enamelled blue lapis lazuli style' with gilt Roman numerals. The exterior assembly includes a broad hammered bi-colour bezel, which is stated to be 5.3 cm in length. The watch is signed 'Cartier' and is mounted on a tapered black leather strap with a textured buckle.

The auction catalogue identifies the presence of a maker's mark and an 18-carat Swiss gold hallmark on the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The enamelled blue lapis lazuli style oval dial with gilt Roman numerals”
  • “within a broad hammered bi-colour bezel”
  • “Size/dimensions: bezel 5.3cm long”
  • “with a tapered black leather strap to textured buckle, signed Cartier, maker's mark”
  • “Swiss hallmark for 18ct gold”

Movement and Condition

According to the auctioneer's report, the watch houses an unadjusted 17-jewel manual movement by Movado. The inner case is recorded as signed 'Movado Factories Switzerland' and numbered 58, 215 004.

The source notes that the watch is 'currently winding and ticking,' but specifies that it has not been tested for timekeeping. Reported condition issues include scratches to the glass, spots of tarnish and scratches to the case, and wear and flaking on the bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Manual movement by Movado, 17 Jewels unadjusted.”
  • “Inside case signed Movado Factories Switzerland, numbered 58, 215 004”
  • “Currently winding and ticking, but has not been tested for time keeping.”
  • “Some scratches to glass. Spots of tarnish and scratches to case. Bracelet with some wear and flaking.”

Open research questions

  • Is the interior case number 58, 215 004 consistent with Movado production records for Cartier-commissioned pieces?
  • Does the 'lapis lazuli style' dial consist of stone inlay or enamel finish?
  • Are there archival records confirming the specific nature of the Lisa Sotilis 1970 design contract for Cartier?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Lisa Sotilis 18K Dress Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Designer and RetailerLisa Sotilis for Cartier“LISA SOTILIS FOR CARTIER, A DRESS WATCH”
Case Numbers21043 107; interior 58, 215 004“case numbered 21043 107, stamped 18K”
Movement ManufacturerMovado, 17 jewels“Manual movement by Movado, 17 Jewels unadjusted.”
Bezel Dimension5.3 cm long“Size/dimensions: bezel 5.3cm long”
Gross Weight40.3 grams“Gross weight: 40.3 grams”

Visible details

  • Oval blue dial with gilt Roman numerals, gilt baton hands, and Cartier signature
  • Substantial elongated hammered yellow-gold bezel accented with six silver-toned triangular sculptural motifs
  • Mounted on a broad tapered dark leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner case inscriptions are catalogued by the auctioneer but not visible in the provided image
  • Source notes the movement was not tested for timekeeping

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

Consulted source

LISA SOTILIS FOR CARTIER, A DRESS WATCH

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record a7d006d3e8

Terms in this record

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

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