Rare Swiss rock crystal and platinum pocket watch Circa 1925

Watch by LeCoultre & Cie and the European Watch & Clock Co.
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A Swiss rock crystal and platinum open faced lever pocket watch, circa 1925. The watch has a keyless winding lever movement with 19 jewels. Its two tone silvered guilloché dial features Roman numerals on a rock crystal chapter ring, an outer minute track with Arabic five minute markers, and blued steel Breguet style hands. The rock crystal case has a platinum band and a snap on back. The dial is signed LeCoultre, while the movement bears the signature of the European Clock and Watch Co. Inc.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Signed: LeCoultre (dial)

             European Watch & Clock Co (movement)
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The movement is functioning. The rock crystal case has a chip at the 7 o’clock position. The bow shows some dents. The dial exhibits signs of ageing with spots visible throughout.
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LeCoultre and the European Watch & Clock Co. (EWC) were deeply connected through a strategic manufacturing and business partnership.

The Core of the Partnership

– The Production Hub: Under the EWC arrangement, the high-end movements

   designed for Cartier’s premium timepieces were developed and physically

   manufactured inside the LeCoultre factory in Le Sentier, Switzerland.

– Exclusive Distribution: The movements produced by LeCoultre under

   the European Watch & Clock Co. banner were used exclusively for

   top tier watches sold by Cartier. 

– The Labeling: Because of this complex relationship, premium vintage

   Cartier watches from the 1920’s to the 1950’s often feature mechanisms

   stamped with the European Watch & Clock Co. name, while the

   movements themselves are pure, ultra-flat LeCoultre craftsmanship. 

This relationship effectively allowed LeCoultre to serve as the structural backbone and elite engine supplier for Cartier’s most luxurious early to mid 20^th century horological creations.