Vintage (1940's) CARTIER Triple Date in 18k

DHKNOLA · Jul 2, 2020

I have a line on this and am posting to see if anyone can provide me with more information as I can not find any comparable watches online.
I have seen another, different style Cartier of this era feature the same movement maker as this piece, so I think the movement is correct, but not certain.
The watch needs a service and a seconds hand but is complete other than that.
Thanks in advance fellow watch enthusiasts!

ConElPueblo · Jul 2, 2020

That HAS to be a Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre, right? The watch looks exactly like the triple date made by JLC in that era.

gatorcpa · Jul 2, 2020

The "European Watch Company" signature on the movement is the key here. That was the branding on movements used in Cartier watches, otherwise standard JLC movements.

On the dial, I can't tell if it has been refinished or not. I don't think there was a particular Cartier font on these dials until the 1950's.

Here is an example of another Cartier Triple Date with an EW&CC/JLC movement:

https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepiec...n-watch-and-clock-co-circa-1945/a/687-59639.s

gatorcpa

Tony C. · Jul 2, 2020

Agree with the above - JLC base movement. The dial looks original to my eyes. It is true that the script Cartier signature is more common, but I believe that it appeared later, and there were others used.

DHKNOLA · Jul 2, 2020

It’s been intriguing to me, sorry for delay responding, got distracted and want to thank everyone for chiming in.
From my research the movement maker here is key as they have made other movements for Cartier.
He wants 5k and I think I’m into it for another grand for service and second hand...definitely pondering it.

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

May need my head examined but it’s mine now 😀

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

I also think the dial is right, it looks applied once and that’s it. I also think if it had been redone, they would have done the minute track, which has some loss.
Really like it.

Dan S · Jul 3, 2020

The subdial edge doesn’t look sharp to me and I think it’s weird to have open 9s but closed 6s. But obviously I have nothing to compare it to.

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

This is a pic w better light.
I had concerns with the watch as it’s old, but thought the seconds sub dial was ok, I know some on the red day month indicators is spotty, but it set off an alarm if they were perfect.

DirtyDozen12 · Jul 3, 2020

Thought the same as @Dan S with regard to the edge of the sub-dial. Also, the day and month wheel condition does not seem commensurate with the condition of the dial. Overall, the printing quality and sub-dial/date aperture edges all seem to lack sharpness. Here is what I believe to be an original JLC dial for comparison: https://omegaforums.net/threads/vin...e-movements-and-pics.40773/page-9#post-932305

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

Thanks y’all, hope I didn’t get burned with this one.
That Jaeger appears mint, it’s also a moon phase, which seems more prevalent.
It’s been hard, near impossible to find one similar to mine to really compare everything to.

DirtyDozen12 · Jul 3, 2020

Here is one sans-moonphase, if you prefer: https://omegaforums.net/threads/sho...gers-lecoultres-too.82064/page-4#post-1085294

Edit: The condition of the pointer hand is also significantly more worn than the dial.

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

Yikes. Now somewhat concerned.
I know that EWC and Jaeger were in the same house, but maybe there were nuances between the Jaeger and Cartier watches? I’m honestly unsure. Worst comes to worst, I rather like it.

gatorcpa · Jul 3, 2020

D DHKNOLA
I know that EWC and Jaeger were in the same house, but maybe there were nuances between the Jaeger and Cartier watches

I think there were differences in cosmetics like dials. That’s why I said I wasn’t sure about it.
gatorcpa

DHKNOLA · Jul 3, 2020

Not that this solves anything dial wise, but pretty sure this is the gentleman the watch was presented to.