Tool · Pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch

Cartier pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch

Partially verified

This object is an 18K yellow gold, circular, pocket-sized magnifying glass featuring an integrated watch. Attributed to circa 1935, the piece bears the name Cartier, while the movement was produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The watch component is fitted into a polished, circular housing with an inclined bezel that connects to the gold-framed magnifying glass. The brushed silver dial is equipped with painted baton indexes and Arabic numerals at the quarter-hour positions, complemented by blued steel épée hands. The watch functions as a back-winder and is powered by a rhodium-plated, 15-jewel manual-wind movement featuring fausses cotes decoration, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance with a flat balance spring. The overall dimensions of the device are 50 x 38 mm. Signatures for Cartier appear on the dial, while the case and movement are signed by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.

A polished 18K yellow gold pocket magnifying glass featuring an integrated watch with a brushed silver dial and blued steel hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Tool · Pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch
Maker / attribution: Cartier; European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 175
Source-reported date: circa 1935
Source-reported place: Not established
Source-reported serial: 105107, 011988

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 Magnifier Construction

The object consists of a circular, 18K yellow gold housing measuring 50 mm by 38 mm. The construction is described as a two-body design with a polished finish and an inclined bezel surrounding the watch dial. The piece functions primarily as a pocket-sized magnifying glass, with a gold frame encompassing the glass lens and securing it to the watch module.

The case back is secured with two screws, which allow access to the movement. The watch itself serves as a back-winder, meaning the winding mechanism is integrated into the rear portion of the watch housing rather than utilizing a side crown. The auction house reports the case as being in fair condition, with specific notes regarding identified alterations.

Evidence for this section

“Two-body, circular, polished, inclined bezel, integral goldframed magnifying glass, the back with two screws, back winder.”
“Case: 4-30 Fair Alterations”

Movement and Dial

The watch component is powered by a 15-jewel movement produced by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The movement is rhodium-plated and features fausses cotes decorative finishing. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat balance spring. Regulation is managed by an index regulator.

The dial is finished in brushed silver and features painted baton indexes alongside Arabic numerals located at the quarter-hour markers. The time is indicated by blued steel hands of the épée style. The auction description indicates that the movement currently requires an overhaul.

Evidence for this section

“movement by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.”
“rhodiumplated, ?fausses cotes? decoration, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator.”
“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Provenance

The object carries multiple signatures identifying its components. The dial bears the signature of Cartier. Both the case and the internal movement are signed by the European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. The cataloging identifies the object as originating from approximately 1935.

The serial numbers 105107 and 011988 are associated with the item in the provided documentation. No further details regarding previous ownership or specific collection history are provided in the source text.

Evidence for this section

“Dial signed Cartier, case and movement signed European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.”
“Made circa 1935.”
“Cartier, Nos. 105107, 011988”

Open research questions

What is the nature of the alterations recorded for the case?
To what extent were similar magnifying glass watch combinations manufactured by Cartier during this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier pocket magnifying glass with integrated watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Material	18K yellow gold	“18K yellow gold”
Movement maker	European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.	“the movement by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.”
Dimensions	50 x 38 mm	“Dim. 50 x 38 mm”
Dial features	Brushed silver, baton indexes, Arabic numerals	“Brushed silver with painted baton indexes and Arabic quarter-hour numerals”
Movement finish	Rhodium-plated, fausses cotes	“rhodiumplated, ?fausses cotes? decoration”
Movement type	15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement	“15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
Case design	Two-body, circular, polished, inclined bezel	“Two-body, circular, polished, inclined bezel”

Visible details

Circular magnifying lens set in a gold frame
Integrated watch with brushed silver dial
Back-winding mechanism visible on the watch housing
Blued steel hands in épée style

Research qualifications

The auction house indicates movement overhauling is recommended
Case condition is noted by the auction house as fair with alterations

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

Consulted source

'Cartier Magnifying Glass' Cartier, Nos. 105107, 011988, the movement by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc. Made circa 1935. Very fine and very unusual, 18K yellow gold, pocket magnifying glass fitted with a watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record fc3c12076f

Terms in this record

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