From the sinuous sensuality of Belle Époque to the sleek geometry of Art Deco, Cartier clocks have long captured imaginations while encapsulating each era's essence. The 1920s and 30s marked a particularly creative apex for Cartier timepieces, as bold lines, novel materials and oriental influences transformed clocks into modernist treasures.

This desk clock with a rock crystal surround and strut from circa 1925 exemplifies the masterful creations of Coüet. Extremely elegant, the present desk clock topped it off with a rare craft to this already stunning piece. Tian-Tsui, is a Chinese craft featuring kingfisher feathers. For 2,000 years, the Chinese have been using the iridescent quality of these blue feathers of the majestic bird as inlay for fine art objects, panels and screens. Its unique electric blue sheen from the bird achieves a vivid colour that no enamel can replicate. An extremely painstaking artisanal technique that demands the most skilled craftsmen, back in the days Cartier was able to deliver this rare trade in their Parisian workshop. Within a circular dial the artist cleverly uses the linear qualities of the kingfisher feather to create a radiating star-shaped motif with gold filling. The diamond-set arrow hands are further heighten with rubies for legibility. The delicate black enamel chapter ring decorated with gold Roman numeral markers and floral motif (appearing often on Cartier timepieces throughout the 1920s). The rock crystal arched frame is anchored with two cabochon ruby and rose-cut diamond decorations to complement the hands.

Well-preserved since its last appearance in the auction market 33 years ago, its notable that the kingfisher feather dial is extremely appealing and presented in wonderful condition.