Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Oval pocket watch with sundial and compass

Cartier oval pocket watch with integrated sundial and compass

Partially verified

According to Sotheby's, this circa 1939 Cartier pocket watch features an 18k yellow gold oval case measuring 45 mm in length by 33 mm in width. The front presents an off-center silvered dial signed Cartier with Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands. The reverse serves as an engraved sundial marked with Arabic hour numerals from 6 to 18, accompanied by an integrated compass and a flush-folding pink gold spring-loaded gnomon. The source documents a 10-ligne circular movement signed European Watch Co. Inc., decorated with Côtes de Genève, bearing 18 jewels and a bi-metallic compensation balance.

Composite view of the Cartier oval pocket watch showing the front dial and sundial back with gnomon closed and open
Composite view of the Cartier oval pocket watch showing the front dial and sundial back with gnomon closed and open — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Oval pocket watch with sundial and compass
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2267
Source-reported date
Circa 1939
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
31'263

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 Construction and Form

This Cartier oval pocket watch is constructed from 18k yellow gold with a polished finish. The case measures 45 mm in length by 33 mm in width, with a flat notched winding crown positioned at the top of the oval structure. The case back is secured to the sides by four screws.

The interior of the movement cover, the inside of the front and back covers, and the case sides feature hand-stamped serial numbering '31'263' and '08'405'. The case also displays French eagle’s head assay marks and Edmond Jaeger punch marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k yellow gold oval, plain polished front”
  • “Size: 45 mm length x 33 mm width”
  • “case back secured by four screws to case sides”
  • “inside front and back covers and movement cover hand stamped 31'263, case side numbered 08'405”
  • “case side, inside case back and interior of movement cover with French eagle’s head assay mark and Edmond Jaeger punch marks”

Dial and Sundial Integration

The front dial is silvered, signed 'Cartier', and features an outer chemin-de-fer minute ring with blued steel Breguet hands. The back of the dial is hand-signed 'Cartier, Pénchon'.

The reverse of the case serves as a sundial, with Arabic hour numerals engraved from 6 to 18. It includes an integrated compass aperture and a pink gold spring-loaded hinged gnomon designed to recess flush into the case center.

Evidence for this section
  • “silvered dial signed Cartier, outer chemin-de-fer minute ring, blued steel Breguet hands”
  • “dial back hand signed Cartier, Pénchon”
  • “back engraved with a dial plate for the sundial, the hours marked in Arabic numerals”
  • “pink gold spring loaded hinged gnomon recessed flush to the centre”

Internal Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by a 10-ligne circular movement signed 'European Watch Co. Inc.' It features a lever escapement, 18 jewels, and a bi-metallic compensation balance with timing and poising screws. The movement is decorated with damascened Côtes de Genève and utilizes a flat hairspring.

The movement is adjusted to temperature and two positions. The movement is numbered '34'965'.

Evidence for this section
  • “10’’’ circular movement signed European Watch Co. Inc., damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, 18 jewels”
  • “bi-metallic compensation balance with timing and poising screws, adjusted to temperature and two positions”
  • “Movement number: numbered beneath dial 34'965”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'Pénchon' signature on the reverse of the dial?
  • What is the relationship between the movement serial 34'965 and the case serial 31'263?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier oval pocket watch with integrated sundial and compass
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold oval, plain polished front with off-set time dial”
Movement Calibre10''' circular movement“10’’’ circular movement signed European Watch Co. Inc.”
Case Number31'263“inside front and back covers and movement cover hand stamped 31'263”
Case Side Number08'405“case side numbered 08'405”
Jewel Count18 jewels“lever escapement, 18 jewels”
Dimensions45 mm length x 33 mm width“Size: 45 mm length x 33 mm width”
Attributed DateCirca 1939“Circa 1939”

Visible details

  • Composite catalog photograph displaying three views: the off-center front dial, the sundial back with closed flush gnomon, and the back with the raised gnomon
  • Polished oval yellow-gold case with an offset white circular dial showing black Roman numerals, inner track, and blued hands
  • Sundial reverse engraved with radial hour markings from 6 to 18 alongside an inset glazed compass capsule
  • Small notched winding crown situated at the upper end of the oval case

Research qualifications

  • Composite catalog image presents three views of the same object simultaneously
  • Internal movement details and assay marks are reported by the source and not visible in the photograph

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

Consulted source

Cartier, Paris | New York retailed | An unusual yellow gold oval

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 77e75c3eda

Terms in this record

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