• cal. 9601MC manual winding lever movement, 20 jewels • plique-à-jour paillonné enamel dial depicting a polar bear beneath the night sky, blued steel hands • 18k white gold Rotonde case, cabochon sapphire-set crown, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screws • case and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Cartier folding clasp

Movement running at the time of cataloguing. The dial and hands in good condition. The case with signs of wear with scuffs and surface scratches throughout. Some slightly heavier scratching and small denting to the bezel. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping. ***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by a Cartier certificate of origin, guarantee and presentation case. This watch has been crafted by Cartier in keeping with the watchmaking and jewellery tradition of the distinguished brand. Its plique-à-jour paillonné enamel dial is of particular interest and beauty. At the beginning of the process there is a simple metal frame of the dial with the polar bear and all the empty spaces that need to be filled. Afterwards the colour is mixed and ground by hand until it is fine enough to be used for the openwork enamel. To give the exceptional dial a finishing touch, tiny flakes of silver are covered with a thin coat of enamel and added as shining little stars in the night sky above the polar bear.  

Together with other beautifully crafted timepieces of animal motives, the 'Ours Polaire' forms part of Cartier's Métier's d'Art collection and was released in a limited edition of 40 pieces. This particular lot carries the special number 1.