In vintage times Cartier often didn't manufacture their own watches. Although the maker's name were hidden on many of their watches, the retailer contracted with a number of the world's fine watch and jewelry making firms to produce these treasured timepieces.
One such firm was Cresarrow of New York, one of the best American case manufacturers of the day. Founded by Henry Blank in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted most notably with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Tiffany & Co., and IWC to build some of their wristwatch cases for the U.S. market.
Cresarrow also supplied movements for certain Cartier watches, as is the case with this fine watch. Evidence suggests the company worked in collaboration with C.H. Meylan, a high-grade niche manufacturer, and IWC Schaffhausen to produce the movements.
We were fortunate to acquire this very rare and desirable Cartier. Our photos couldn't do it justice.
Its parts are all original down to the winding crown and even platinum Cresarrow clasps on the band! It is beautiful condition, appearing to have been treated with an appreciation for its value.
Its original hand stamped Cartier registration number is still visible under the lug.
Its case is better than near mint, and its dial was restored long ago in vintage times.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled the movement down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
If you are looking for a special treasure for someone in your life, this is it. Modern platinum and diamond Cartier watches normally carry price tags in the $30,000 range and don't match the charm and romance of this carefully-preserved vintage original.
- Retailer: Cartier / made by Cresarrow
- Country of Manufacture: Switzerland/USA
- Year built: c. 1930's to early 1940's
- Serial no.: 022392
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Designed for: Women
- Case material: Platinum and diamonds
- Case condition: Better than near mint with only light wear, still retains it strong beautiful Art Deco angular lines
- Dial: Silvered, signed Cartier, applique half-spherical and black painted indices, restored in vintage times, excellent condition with light aging. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
- Dimensions: 17mm wide (excluding crown) by 32mm long lug tip to tip
- Hands: Original, batons
- Movement type: Swiss, lever, made for Cresarrow for Cartier, manually wound, rhodium plated, 17 jewels
- Jewels: 17 rubies
- Band: Period, black cord, fitted with watch's original platinum Cresarrow signed clasps and original band holders, currently fits a wrist up to approx. a hair under 6.5 inches. We also stock brand new cord bracelets that can be fitted to any size wrist from the largest to the smallest.
- Crystal type: Diamond faceted, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled the movement down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
- Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
