Cartier’s Pebble has been selling for ever-rising record prices in recent years.
So it is little wonder that Bonhams has made another example the headline lot of its upcoming Fine Watches sale on December 14 in London.
The distinctive design officially came to market in 1972, five years after the Crash made its debut in 1967 from the same Cartier London studio.
The example at Bonhams is from the original owner, and an early example thought to have been made in 1972.
The 35mm watch was on show at WATCHPRO Salon in London last week, and the crowd around the Bonhams stand was 5-deep trying to see it, suggesting that the pre-sale estimate of £150,000 to £200,000 may be on the low side.
“The Cartier ‘Pebble’ is a unique timepiece to come to auction in such a significant anniversary year. We are delighted to offer this alongside other exceptional items including the single owner collection of Heuers showing the design evolution over the years from the 1960’s through to the eighties. We look forward to welcoming clients to view the exceptional horological selection,” says Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams Global Head of Watches.
Single owner Heuer collection
The single owner Heuer collection to which Mr Darracott refers includes 42 wristwatches dated from 1960 to 1980 including:
A Heuer, Autavia ‘Big Sub’ stainless steel manual wind chronograph wristwatch, circa 1960, signed Ed Heuer with a black dial and luminous baton hour markers. Offered with an estimate of £50,000 – 80,000.
A Heuer, Monaco ‘Steve McQueen’ Valjoux 72, stainless steel automatic calendar chronograph square bracelet watch, circa 1970. The Monaco model was worn by Steve McQueen in the famous racing film ‘Le Mans’. The watch is offered with an estimate of £10,000- 15,000.
A Heuer, Autavia ‘Jo Siffert’ stainless steel automatic calendar chronograph wristwatch, circa 1974. This watch is so far, the only known survivor to feature the rare white ‘Albino hands.’ Offered with an estimate of £8,000- 12,000.
Other highlights at the Bonhams Fine Watches
A rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona featuring a Paul Newman dial. Stainless steel manual wind watch, circa 1970. Offered with an estimate of £100,000-150,000.
A Rolex, 18K white gold Daytona Beach Yellow 116519, accompanied by outer box, papers, spare black strap, and notepad. Offered with an estimate of £40,000 – 60,000.
A significant and rare military Omega Seamaster 300, stainless steel automatic wristwatch issued to the Royal Navy, circa 1968. The watch will be offered with an estimate of £40,000 – 60,000.
A striking and distinctive Vacheron Constantin 222, crafted from stainless-steel, the automatic bracelet watch features a tonneau shape and understated scalloped bezel ring circling the case. The watch also features a small Maltese cross referencing Vacheron Constantin’s signature symbol. Circa 1970s, the watch is offered with an estimate of £40,000 – 60,000.
