CIRCA: 1925
CASE MATERIAL: Platinum, diamond and sapphire-set
CASE DIAMETER: 45 mm.
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Time only
BOX: No
PAPERS: No
WITH: Fob chain with diamond-set terminal

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Lot Essay

By family tradition, this beautiful Cartier watch, made in platinum and featuring baguette sapphire and diamond hour indexes, was presented by King Farouk of Egypt to the present owner’s grandfather, Elias Andraos, one of the most prominent of King Farouk’s entourage and his Economic Advisor. Andraos played the role of mediator between the King and his government and was also an intermediary between the Egyptian Government and the British Embassy.

The watch is accompanied by a fob chain shaped in the Arabic phrase 'God Willing'. The fine movement of the present watch is engraved 'EXU' on the balance bridge. According to research, this indicates that the ebauche was supplied to the European Watch Co. Inc., by LeCoultre.

King Farouk I (1920-1965)
King Farouk I was the tenth ruler of Egypt from the Muhammad Ali dynasty and the penultimate King of Egypt and the Sudan. He succeeded his father, Fuad I, in 1936 and reigned until he was overthrown by a military coup in 1952. As king, Farouk was known for his extravagant lifestyle and voracious collecting of precious objects of all kinds. The auction sales of the Palace Collections of Egypt in 1956 was one of the great sales of the 20th century. Today, objects and timepieces associated with King Farouk continue to be highly desirable. King Farouk died in exile in Italy in 1965.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing; however, a service is recommended given the age of the watch. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: Signs of ageing and spots throughout. The Cartier signature has been reprinted. Previously restored. Both hands have been restored.
Case: Scratches and dents. The case back has scratches. Hallmarks visible. Cartier stock number visible.
Chain: Unsigned. Scratches and dents. Fob in good condition, a diamond is missing.

Should you require additional details or pictures, please contact a specialist.
The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
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