Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2021
    Reference No: 4336, WGCC0003
    Case No: 006/100
    Model Name: Cloche de Cartier, Privé Collection Cartier Paris
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1917 MC
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.15 length x 28.75 mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Cartier international limited warranty, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Cloche de Cartier is, undeniably, an odd one. If the name does not ring a bell, have a look again. Straight forward enough, the word “cloche” translates to “bell” and evidently, this model’s name is derived from the fact that the watch resembles one resting on its side. Exuding an exotic charm, the Roman numerals on the dial are adjusted 90° clockwise from their habitual stance, with the 12 o’clock index sitting where 3 o’clock usually does, next to the crown. If one is accustomed to telling time off traditional analogue wristwatches, this may require some time to adapt to.

    According to the Maison, this unusual configuration may seem strange because it was originally intended for a brooch watch, rather than a wristwatch. Often worn fastened to a garment, the brooch watch would be oriented upside down with 12 at the bottom, so that the wearer can easily read the time with the numbers in the correct position when tilted upwards.

    This quirky design was first introduced as a wristwatch in 1921. Due to its unconventional display of time, it has appeared more sporadically than other Cartier classics. Paying homage to this century old model, the Cloche de Cartier was revived in 2021 as a 100-piece limited edition in the Privé Collection, following the re-issue of the two equally bizarre and iconic watches, the Asymetrique and the Crash. Despite its insubordination to basic horological principles, the watch was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm by the modern day collectors.

    Irrationally attractive, the present example is encased in pink gold, boasting a delicious grey dial with a white minute track, further complimented by Roman numerals and hands that matches the tone of its frame. A cognitive subversion of time, the watch very much falls in line with the distinct design codes of Cartier, featuring a beautifully balanced dial and a sapphire cabochon crown. Numbered 6 of a 100 pieces, this timepiece is offered at Phillips for the first time in excellent overall condition with its original accessories. Designed to turn heads, the Cloche is certainly destined to grace the wrists of connoisseurs in search something outshines the ordinary.

  • 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. 

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Σ1050

Ref. 4336, WGCC0003
A highly attractive and rare limited edition pink gold bell-shaped wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 6 of a limited edition of 100 pieces

Circa 2021
37.15 length x 28.75 mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€14,300-23,800
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$226,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)