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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Cartier Yellow Gold Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to Sotheby's, this Cartier open-faced pocket watch dates to circa 1975. The 46 mm 18k yellow gold case features a snap-on case back bearing number 28'899, with a reported gross weight of 54.80 grams. The silvered dial features black Roman numerals at 3, 9, and 12, complemented by baton indexes connected to an inner chapter ring, an outer minute track, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The time is shown by blued steel hands. The watch is powered by a 15-jewel manual-winding movement numbered 67'705, signed by the maker.

Dial view of the Cartier 18k yellow gold open-faced pocket watch
Dial view of the Cartier 18k yellow gold open-faced pocket watch — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
417
Source-reported date
circa 1975
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
28'899

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

Construction and Case Specifications

The timepiece is constructed of 18k yellow gold and features an open-faced design with a snap-on case back. It measures 46 mm in diameter.

The case back is marked with the number 28'899. The total gross weight of the watch is reported as 54.80 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on back”
  • “Size: 46 mm”
  • “Case number: 28'899”
  • “Gross weight 54.80 g”

Dial Composition

The watch features a silvered dial signed 'CARTIER' and marked 'SWISS'. The dial displays black Roman numerals at the 3, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, alongside radial baton indexes and an inner chapter ring.

A sunken subsidiary seconds register is positioned at 6 o'clock. Time is indicated by blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: silvered”
  • “Silvered dial signed 'CARTIER' and marked 'SWISS' below the 6 o'clock register.”
  • “Sunken subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “Blued steel hands showing an elongated tapered profile.”

Mechanism and Provenance

The watch is powered by a manual-winding movement with 15 jewels, identified by the movement number 67'705. The maker notes the watch is signed on the case, dial, and movement.

The source dates the watch to circa 1975.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre: cal. manual winding, 15 jewels”
  • “Movement number: 67'705”
  • “Signed: case, dial and movement”
  • “Cartier Yellow gold open-faced pocket watch, circa 1975”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or calibre reference for the movement numbered 67'705?
  • Does the serial number 28'899 correspond to Cartier archival records for the circa 1975 date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Yellow Gold Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k yellow gold“Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on back”
Case Diameter46 mm“Size: 46 mm”
Movement Jewels15 jewels“Calibre: cal. manual winding, 15 jewels”
Movement Number67'705“Movement number: 67'705”
Case Number28'899“Case number: 28'899”
Gross Weight54.80 g“Gross weight 54.80 g”
Signed ComponentsCase, dial, and movement“Signed: case, dial and movement”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial signed 'CARTIER' and marked 'SWISS' below the 6 o'clock register.
  • Roman numerals at the 3, 9, and 12 positions alongside radial baton hour indexes intersecting an inner chapter ring.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position.
  • Blued steel hands showing an elongated tapered profile.
  • Angular, geometric top bow with fluted winding crown at 12 o'clock.
  • Polished yellow gold rounded bezel and case.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back are not visible in the provided image; calibre specifications and serials rely on auction catalogue descriptions.

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

Consulted source

Cartier | Yellow gold open-faced pocket watch, circa 1975 | Fine

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a896691b8a

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records