Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, May 15, 2011

LOT 578

Cartier ? Le Temps de L?Elegance ? Exceptional Rock Crystal Desk Clock Cartier, Paris, No. 389, 107273/74165. Made circa 1915. Extremely fine and very rare, rock crystal, 18K gold, platinum, enamel and rose-cut diamond-set 8-day going desk clock. Accompanied by the original Cartier red leather fitted box.

CHF 90,000 - 120,000

USD 100,000 - 130,000 / EUR 68,000 - 90,000

Sold: CHF 100,900

C. Circular rock crystal case with double faceted edge, hinged rock crystal stand (chipped). D. Gold and white champlevé enamel hour ring with radial Roman numerals and flowerhead half-hour indexes, rose-cut diamond-set border in platinum mount, outer gold and pale blue champlevé enamel minute ring with Arabic five-minute numerals within white champlevé enamel reserves, engraved flowerhead minute divisions, translucent azure guilloché enamel center. Ormate platinum rose-cut diamond-set hands, the minute hand extending to the minute ring. M. 19", matte gilt, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Case signed and numbered. Diam: 98 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

This model of Cartier desk clock is one of the most luxurious and elegant made by the firm during the early years of the 20th century. It epitomizes the very high standard of craftsmanship using both precious and semi-precious materials that Cartier are famous for. The present clock is a superb example of one of the most sought-after Cartier clocks from one of the golden periods of the company?s history. The original fitted box is a very rare survival. Literature: A similar clock, dated 1913, is illustrated in ?Le Temps de Cartier?, Barracca, Negretti & Nencini, 1989, p. 62.