Cartier - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 1922
    Case No: 841 and 1634
    Model Name: Pendulette à Chevalet
    Material: Brass, nephrite and sapphires
    Calibre: Key wind, 15 jewels
    Dimensions: 75mm. Height and 75.5mm. Width
    Signed: Case and dial signed
    Literature: A similar clock is illustrated in La Collection Cartier by Francois Chaille, pages 244 to 247.

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the 1920s, Cartier incorporated a variety of stones and materials in their repertoire, ranging from lavish diamonds, to nephrite, quartz and enamel work. During this period, Cartier created clocks of the utmost quality, whether it be a miniature, desk, or even a Mystery clock.

    This desk clock features a nephrite hard stone case with four cabochon sapphires set on either side, which really evokes the aesthetic of the art deco period. The dial is designed with an intricate guilloché pattern, and the ring is fitted with enamel, evoking the colour of the sapphires.

    One should marvel at this clock's excellent state of preservation. The dial is free of visible imperfections, and the nephrite hardstone is completely intact. Many surviving examples are very worn, yet this clock is very stunning and even retains its original hands.

    The case is further stamped with Cartier numbers and signed Cartier Paris.

  • Artist Biography

    Cartier

    French

    With 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. 

    View More Works

216

A rare and attractive nephrite and sapphire-set brass desk clock with guilloché dial

Circa 1922
75mm. Height and 75.5mm. Width
Case and dial signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,400-11,100
$7,900-11,900

Sold for CHF12,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017