1

A Day
Observed

A story presented by

Scene 1:
‘Morning’

It was a bright cold day with glassy surfaces that looked hard.
Into the square frame he stood as if in a dream.

What emerged was precisely what he expected to find: a reflection of memory images. Contemplating his face in the photo frame he waited.

1960s lucite and chrome 3 image photo frame

By the steady hands of his watch, he listened to time. Every day for the past sixteen days he saw her. Silver lingered in the crease of
an open book.

Rolex burlwood dial, Jubilee bracelet Miniature
oar English university trophy, sterling silver.

So absorbed in his thoughts
he hardly saw the platinum catch-all, the key, or the revelation locked inside those lapis lazuli cufflinks tossed unmistakably in cold blue.

Hans Hanson catch-all. Mid-century, Danish sterling silver. Stirrup money clip, by Hermès. Padlock keyring, sterling silver " Tie bar-slide " Round lapis lazuli cufflinks" Square cufflinks, two tone rose and yellow gold, diamond."

Only by whirling on his heel could he hope to comprehend
the panorama.

Shoe horn, circa 1930. American sterling silver
Scene 2:
‘Noon’

He remained.Trapped in that enormous room,
unmistakably familiar in feeling yet so peculiar.

Above the mantle was
displayed an Austrian hound
of impeccable integrity.

Hagenauer sculpture, 1930

His gaze fell on the letter opener. By accident she had learnt more about his life from the contents of that letter than anywhere.

Dunhill letter opener with lighter top, circa 1950

Cleopatra’s eye reflected
the sun. Through the hypnotism
of precious metals there
emerged a dark slender shadow.

Cleopatra’s eye magnifying glass. Mid-century, gold plated
Hermès weighted pen. Silver plated.

A lighter presented itself, smooth to the touch
it gave the impression of
intelligent company.

Table lighter St Dupont, circa 1960. Gold plate
Scene 3:
‘Evening’

All this time light was receding from the room.

“I should explain why I spend so much time here”, said the silhouette. Leaves moved like shadows across her eyes.

Hermès rope bottle opener. Plated silver.

It’s not too late to turn back. Time moved with faint sounds.

Venini hourglass. Hand-blown lurid Murano glass.

He unscrewed the telescopic cup, rolled and remained still. Black eyes on the dice prophesied a new cycle.

Telescopic cup, J. E. Cauldwell. Gold plated. Dice,
Cartier for America. Vitreous enamel glass, silver

Staring down at the varnished surface her mouth worried him while her eyes examined the gold cufflink.

Audemar Piguet evening watch. gold plated, Roman dial, alligator strap
Scene 4:
‘Night’

Everything went crashing black.

Pale graceful hands placed
the gold stud box delicately
on the table.

Men’s Edwardian jewellery box, 1910. Gold plated.
Mid-century British cigar ashtray. Sterling silver and crystal.

He lit a match to make sure the watch had really stopped. Smoke lingered from its vesta case.

Realist wrapped tobacco leaf march vesta. Silver.

As the travel clock neared
one the figure vanished into dappled shadows.

Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre travel clock.
Gold and silver plated. Retailed by Aspray.

On the newly varnished table two bronze shot cups sat alive like in a dream.

Tooth shot cup by Foundwell. Bronze and silver plated.
Set of 4, 3 silver 1 gold. Heath & Midleton champagne decanters circa 1900.
Sterling silver and glass.
The End

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy, creative direction OK-RM,
notes by Kate O’Brien and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy,
creative direction OK-RM
notes by Kate O’Brien
and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

A SELECTION OF ITEMS BY THE PRODUCER OF
CRAFTED GOODS & PURVEYOR OF ANTIQUE WATCHES,
JEWELLERY & OTHER SUCH OBJECTS

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A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Baignoire on leather with factory diamond case. The Cartier Baignoire, which literally means bathtub in French, is the new it-girl watch, or new IT watch, period. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful, and unusual iterations of this The Cartier Baignoire watch boasts a storied, century-long history, cementing its status as a true icon in the realm of luxury timepieces. Designed in 1912 by Louis Cartier for the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, this elliptical-cased marvel represented a stylish departure from the standard round and rectangular watch shapes of the era. Crafted with an elegantly curved, oval-shaped case, the Baignoire epitomizes Cartier's timeless sophistication and innovative spirit.

The watch is what Cartier lovers flock to the brand for – the Roman numeral dial. The hidden signature, usually found at the seven o’clock position, is found here at ten o'clock. The iconic sword blued steel hands feature. This smaller size case does not have a crown on the side of the case, so there is no signature blue sapphire set winding crown. The “Swiss” signed dial is in perfect condition. The case, with its factory double row pavé set factory made three row case shows no signs of polishing and is in excellent condition, with all of the stamping and unique Cartier reference numbers still visible on the case back. The model reference number 1960 is stamped above the unique serial number.

The watch is powered by a quartz movement. This is a fairly rudimentary, but reliable, movement that powered the vast number of Cartier watches from the mid 1980’s through to the early 2000’s.  

Overall, this is a wonderful example of the classic Cartier icon. It is in great original condition.  The case is perfect, and is unpolished. This is the smaller size "Mini" case, smaller than the classic quartz versions. The beautiful shaped dial is framed by a series of factory set diamonds in three rows that cover the entire front side of the case that creates this stunning halo effect around the dial. This is a rare model, in high demand with no other examples currently for sale online in the world. 

The watch comes on its original, fully signed stamped and hallmarked eighteen carat gold deployant buckle, and a Cartier midnight blue alligator band. The band is brand new from Cartier, and is in perfect condition. Being a more modern version of the watch and deployant, it is adjustable through the buckle. It folds through and can be made to be smaller or larger, if desired.

A watch that worked for the likes of Catherine Deneuve to Tyler the creator, it has taken its place as is one of the most iconic Cartier watches. These early 00's models are all the more appealing being that they are back set and have no crown allowing the beautiful shape of the case to take center stage.

The watch has been serviced and is keeping excellent time. There is no Cartier paperwork with the watch.


Price $18,450.00

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Item Dimensions
Case Width
0.716 inches (1.81864cm)
Case Height
0.96 inches (2.4384cm)