CARTIER - a rare and early Tonneau Curvex wrist watch. Circa 1914.

CARTIER - an early Tonneau Curvex wrist watch. Circa 1914. 18ct yellow gold case, number 6524. Manual wind movement. Silvered dial with Roman numeral hour markers. Fitted to an unsigned brown leather strap with 18ct yellow gold deployant clasp. 21mm. Letter of Authenticity.<br/>  

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<b>One of Cartier's oldest ever wrist watches which belonged to a WWI hero.</b><br/>

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<i>Cartier's design, named Tonneau due to its barrel shape, was the second ever wristwatch model created by Louis Cartier. The Tonneau launched in 1906, and this particular watch was originally sold by the French company's London store in October 1914.<br/>

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The Tonneau's engraving reads "A.D. Thomson, 152 Inf Bde., 51st High Div., 1/5/15". The 51st Highland Division fought on the Western Front in France from 1915 - 1918. It is likely that the watch was gifted to Thomson from the military before he was sent out to fight on the Western Front. <br/>

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In 1994, the watch was purchased for £1,000 by its current owner from the Thomson family. In the 27 years since, the Cartier has been worn only twice, at two weddings. After sitting in a drawer and gathering dust for nearly 30 years, the watch is being sold at Fellows Auctioneers alongside a group of prestigious medals belonging to Thomson and Thomson's father. The medals include honours from the Great War and the late 19th century. An authentication document from Cartier clarifying the watch was bought in October 1914 and a later watch box is also included with the lot.</i>  ​