Cartier Art Deco Cocktail Watch Baguette Diamonds in Platinum

A platinum and baguette diamond cocktail watch by the House of Cartier from the Art Deco period. A truly breathtaking, slim cocktail watch that is composed of open centred square links, formed from four rub over set baguette diamonds. These are connected by further baguettes that have been parallel set. On the wrist these baguette diamonds glimmer with an ice crystal like sparkle, whilst showcasing iconic Art Deco geometric forms and patterns. The slim rectangular watch head is defined by further arrangements of baguette cut stones, and features a crisp white enamel dial that has been enamelled with Arabic numerals and signed “CARTIER PARIS”. The name of Cartier instantly brings to mind the sparkle of diamonds, and the allure of the rich and famous. Since it was founded in Paris in 1847, the House has gone from strength to strength, being famously credited as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers” by King Edward the VII. The house was as its zenith when it was owned and run by the founding family, from 1847 to 1964. The Art Deco period was particular important for Cartier, with surviving pieces bearing their signature being lauded as iconic exemplars of this rich style. With ladies' wristwatches first being seen in the 1880s, cocktail examples perfectly combined an accurate, slim, manually wound watch movement, with an eye-catching and modern, gleaming platinum diamond bracelet. During this time, with the jazz era in full swing, the watch face was kept small and subtle, as it was deemed unladylike for ladies of leisure to check the time. Elaborate diamond and gemstone set slim and wide bracelets became hugely popular during this period, as short-sleeved fashions left the arms exposed. Cartier are particularly renowned for producing some of the most breathtaking examples, which are sought after and collected today.