Cartier "Flamingo and Lotus Automaton Clock"

• quartz movement • dial with silvered chapter ring, Arabic numerals, mother-of-pearl centerfield in circular gold case, with brilliant-cut diamond-set bezel and crown • the heavy 18k yellow gold rectangular base set with onyx and gray mottled hardstone, four large round lapis lazuli buttons, one activating the lotus automaton, one housing the power supply inside an opening drawer, the top of the base in mother-of-pearl, with a large yellow diamond and diamond-set lotus, its ten petals opening to reveal the dial, all on nephrite leaves, to the other side two smaller lotuses in pink hardstone with nephrite leaves, a large flamingo standing on one leg, set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, its abundant plumage set with square-cut sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the beak of pink hardstone and onyx, with sapphire eyes • base, case, dial and movement signed and hallmarked 

For further information please contact one of our specialists.
"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."

The total colorless diamond weight is approximately 190 carats. 

The total yellow diamond weight is approximately 90 carats.
The total sapphire weight is approximately 32 carats.
The total ruby weight is approximately 20 carats.
The total emerald weight is approximately 14 carats.  
The total weight of the clock is 6.02 kilograms.   

The “Flamingo and Lotus” automaton clock combines two iconic Cartier motifs within an impressive, glamorously gem-set work of art. Cartier’s Lotus automata clocks arose during the 1980s during an age of decadence and sumptuous design in Mystery Clocks. Enchantingly designed, the automaton is activated by a small button triggering the yellow diamond-set pedals of the lotus to bloom, revealing the clock inside. Perched alongside, the bejeweled Flamingo is synonymous with the royal history of Cartier. Conceived in the Golden Age of Café Society where the elite cultivated sophistication and daring elegance, the dazzling motif was first commissioned as a brooch for the Duchess of Windsor in 1940. Formerly in the collection of the Duchess of Windsor, the iconic brooch was purchased by Collection Cartier for £1,721,250 / US$2,678,954 at Sotheby’s London in November 2010.

For a similar example of Cartier Lotus automata clock from the 1980s, see Barracca, J., Negretti, G., and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, p. 305. The Flamingo brooch is referenced in Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, London, 2007, page 233.