Property of a Gentleman
1022
Cartier
An extremely attractive, well-preserved and rare rose quartz, lapis lazuli and gold desk clock with black enamel, gold and silver and diamond-set bezel, applied Roman numerals, diamond-set hands and lapis lazuli dial
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 240,000€14,000 - 28,100$15,400 - 30,800
HK$355,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Cartier
- Year
- Circa 1927
- Movement No
- 305'972
- Case No
- Handle stamped 3306, inner case stamped 3459, 2014, hands stamped 2014 on reverse
- Material
- Rose quartz, lapis lazuli, yellow gold, enamel and diamonds
- Calibre
- Manual
- Dimensions
- 78 mm height, 65 mm width and 28 mm length
- Signed
- Dial signed Cartier
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Roaring Twenties were in full swing by 1925, as people began to move past the tragedies of World War I. The increasing accessibility of cars, trains, and planes allowed many to indulge in the pleasures of speed and travel. This era saw a surge in the production of travel clocks and watches, designed by Cartier in an elegantly modernist style. Technological advancements also brought new conveniences to daily life, including wireless radios, telephones, and portable handheld cameras.
Influenced strongly by Art Deco during the late 1910s and 1920s, Cartier’s timepieces featured distinctive identities and geometric lines, culminating in the iconic Cartier Tank and its sub-models which epitomized the golden age of design. Not limited to wristwatches, Cartier also created numerous clocks with utmost craftsmanship and timeless designs that continue to be cherished by collectors today.
The present clock is an iconic Cartier desk clock, strikingly crafted from pink quartz. Known as a symbol of love, pink quartz has historically been associated with emotional balance and the release of negative energies, often used in meditation practices. This heavy block of stone features a Japanese-style smooth rounded edge, elegantly corner-cut.
Decorated with exquisite artistry from the esteemed Haute Joaillerie maison, the dial incorporates pieces of lapis lazuli, adorned with applied gold Roman numerals and rose-cut diamond hands. A rosace pattern encircles the dial, with diamonds set at the hour markers. The striking contrast between the black enamel and blue lapis lazuli enhances the pink quartz body. The handle is further embellished with a lapis lazuli base and 18K yellow gold, contributing to the overall symmetrical appeal.
The craftsmanship of this piece is exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail. The clock remains in very well-preserved condition, with both the stone and decorations intact. The case numbers and hallmarks are crisp and perfectly legible. The gold surface exhibits a layer of attractive patina, a testament to its time in an important private collection since it last appeared internationally more than 30 years ago. A beautiful creation from Cartier, this clock represents the ultimate expression of the Art Deco period and is sure to remain a classic for years to come.
Influenced strongly by Art Deco during the late 1910s and 1920s, Cartier’s timepieces featured distinctive identities and geometric lines, culminating in the iconic Cartier Tank and its sub-models which epitomized the golden age of design. Not limited to wristwatches, Cartier also created numerous clocks with utmost craftsmanship and timeless designs that continue to be cherished by collectors today.
The present clock is an iconic Cartier desk clock, strikingly crafted from pink quartz. Known as a symbol of love, pink quartz has historically been associated with emotional balance and the release of negative energies, often used in meditation practices. This heavy block of stone features a Japanese-style smooth rounded edge, elegantly corner-cut.
Decorated with exquisite artistry from the esteemed Haute Joaillerie maison, the dial incorporates pieces of lapis lazuli, adorned with applied gold Roman numerals and rose-cut diamond hands. A rosace pattern encircles the dial, with diamonds set at the hour markers. The striking contrast between the black enamel and blue lapis lazuli enhances the pink quartz body. The handle is further embellished with a lapis lazuli base and 18K yellow gold, contributing to the overall symmetrical appeal.
The craftsmanship of this piece is exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail. The clock remains in very well-preserved condition, with both the stone and decorations intact. The case numbers and hallmarks are crisp and perfectly legible. The gold surface exhibits a layer of attractive patina, a testament to its time in an important private collection since it last appeared internationally more than 30 years ago. A beautiful creation from Cartier, this clock represents the ultimate expression of the Art Deco period and is sure to remain a classic for years to come.
Provenance
Literature
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.
Browse Maker