Today's offering showcases this exceptionally rare and supremely elegant mens Cartier "Top Hat" watch made for the U.S. market.

Popularized by Ginger Roger and Fred Astaire in their award-winning musical of the same name, the phrase came to stand for the glittering elegance associated with 1930's and 40's American high society. Patek Philippe, Cartier, and a few other fine Swiss houses embraced this idea by offering an exclusive Top Hat model as part their other gentlemen's wristwatch selections.

Patek Philippe chose to build their model entirely in-house, while Cartier enlisted the help of the one of the best American case manufacturers of the day, Cresarrow of New York. Founded by Henry Blank in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Tiffany, Cartier, IWC and also at times a few lesser known houses to build some of the beautiful examples of their early wristwatch cases.

For this special watch, Cartier and Cresarrow collaborated with C.H. Meylan, a high-grade niche manufacturer, for the very fine movement which was adjusted for temperatures and three positions.

While I have seen many Patek Top Hats and sold more than a dozen from Patek and other makers, I can only recall seeing one other example of Top Hat branded only Cartier - not Patek and Cartier - and it was only in gold with no diamonds, not in palladium, which is in the platinum family.

It has its original parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration.

Its gorgeous original palladium "Top Hat' case presents in excellent condition. Its dial has just been professionally restored by one of the leading dial experts in the country.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a correct new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).

It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Cartier in our testing recording position,

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new Teju lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He has also done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center.

Retailer: Cartier
Manufacturer: C.H. Meylan and Cresarrow
Serial no.: 6225
Year built: c. later 1930's to 1940's
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Palladium
Case markings (inside): Palladium, Cresarrow logo, 76098
Case condition:  Its gorgeous original palladium "Top Hat' case presents in excellent condition
Dimensions: Curved to fit the arch of the wrist, approx. slightly over 23mm wide at the widest part of the case, 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Signed Cartier, light silver, original factory set round and baguette diamond indices presumably set in palladium, expertly restored
Hands: "Batons"
Movement type: High-grade C.H. Meylan, manually wound, tonneau, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, adjusted for temperatures and three positions
Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 16mm
Crystal: Excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a correct new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Cartier in our testing recording position,
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He has also done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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