SPECIFICHE
Amazing Cartier Duoplan with a fancy 18K yellow gold case, European Watch and Clock Co. 403 hand-wound Duoplan movement, from the 1930s.
18K yellow gold case measuring 9.5mm x 30.5mm
Corona originale
Original synthetic sapphire glass
Original 18Kt gold deployment clasp
Duoplan 403 hand-wound movement by European Watch and Clock Co.
ANALISI
In 1920, building on a partnership begun three years earlier, Louis Cartier decided to join forces with the renowned watchmaker Edmond Jaeger. Together they created the “European Watch and Clock Co.” (EWC), a joint venture destined to make history. The mission was clear: to create exclusive movements, tailor-made for the most prestigious Cartier and Jaeger models. Their design and development were entrusted to the Jaeger-LeCoultre laboratories, which oversaw their technical development between 1930 and 1950.
The union between Jaeger and Cartier reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, giving rise to a series of significant technical revolutions. The defining moment of this fertile collaboration was the birth of the “Duoplan” in 1925. Conceived by the expert hands of Jaeger, this movement represents a masterpiece of miniaturization: its architecture on two distinct levels accommodates a generously sized balance wheel, ensuring flawless performance, all in a surprisingly compact space. For Cartier, it was the key to reinventing the women’s watch, playing with extremely reduced proportions and original lines that look beyond contemporary times.
This small and precious watch bears direct witness to those events.
Its dial features the typical graphic design found on Jaeger watches: a white background with narrow, elongated arrow-shaped hour markers and angular cutouts that contain and frame the overall layout. This symmetrical rhythm is broken up by the number 12 at the top and the Cartier signature in the center. The sword-shaped hands are flame-hardened to create a vibrant blue hue.
The rectangular french case in solid 18kt yellow gold is distinguished by the softness of its two lugs, which accommodate the circular strap. These pseudo-lugs are designed as three semi-rings placed side by side that appear to dive and emerge from the case. Completing this masterpiece is the ultra-thin deployant clasp in solid 18K yellow gold, made by Cartier. Its semi-tubular outer surface seamlessly connects to the case, echoing the design of the semi-circular lugs. The elegance of the design blends harmoniously with rational functionality.
This little gem houses the historic Duoplan 403 movement by EWCo: it measures 19.95mm x 8.48mm and runs at 18,000 A/h.
