Cartier

• gilt lever movement, 12 jewels • dial with central chinoiserie scene in tinted mother-of-pearl depicting two figures within a landscape beneath a starry sky, the moon represented by a moonstone, stylized Arabic numerals to the outer mother-of-pearl chapter ring • gold bezel set with turquoise studs flanked by diamonds, further heightened with midnight blue and black enamel in a geometric motif, ebonite case, hinged strut • movement and easel signed by European Watch & Clock Co., Inc., case and strut hand-stamped with Cartier reference numbers, case further stamped MC within a lozenge for Maurice Couet

Christie's, New York, Watches & Wristwatches, June 16th, 2010, lot 247

A stunning piece. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial shows a hairline crack to the mother of pearl at the edge of the 5 o'clock sector. To the central portion of the dial, there some minor imperfections to the figures and minor losses and slight discoloration to the background. The extent of these imperfections is clearly visible within the catalogue photograph, which has not been re-touched. The case shows some minor surface scuffs throughout with no noticeable imperfections to the enamel or turquoise and diamond studs. The strut is numbered 1438 both to the outward and inward facing sides. The back bezel is hand-stamped 0485 and 613. The case further stamped 801, 2762 and 1438.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a facsimile of a Cartier insurance appraisal confirming production of the present lot in 1926.

The 1920s marked a heightened interest in exotic motifs from the East. Cartier paid particular homage to China in its choice of scenes, materials and techniques. Such pieces promised, as advertised for Cartier's 1929 Paris exhibition, 'the incarnation of an impalpable dream of the Orient.' (Barracca et al. pp. 81-2, 180.)

For similar examples of Cartier desk timepieces of Chinese inspiration, see Barracca, J., Negretti, G. and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, pp. 167, 169, 172-3 and 176.