Gem-set desk clock, Cartier, early 1920s

The arched rock crystal case inset with a circular dial set with mother of pearl, blue enamel and yellow gold hands, the royal blue bezel of octagonal form applied with Roman numerals and embellished with turquoise enamel geometric elements, further decorated with two fir trees set with turquoise, onyx and lapis lazuli, movement signed Cartier and numbered, chips.

Cf: Franco Cologni and Ettore Mocchetti, L'Objet Cartier, 150 ans de Tradition et d' Innovation, Paris 1992, pages 92-93 and 100 for examples of similar desk clocks.

Numbered 2377 and 0817. Mechanical movement in running condition at the time of cataloguing, but please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee future working condition of watches. Movement would benefit to be checked by a professional watchmaker. Enamel well preserved, one minor scratch on bezel. Carved turquoise discoloured, one minor chip. A few chips to rock crystal around edges, minor scratches to the glass. Some tarnish to metal, mainly at the back on the movement case. Signs of wear commensurate with the age of the piece. In overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."

1918-1935

During the post war period the house of Cartier was to continue producing a fabulous array of desk accessories made from semi precious and precious materials, from paper knives to vanity cases and photograph frames to brush pots.  They became most well known for their eclectic range of decorative clocks.

Inspired by the iconic Art Deco movement with it strong geometric lines infused with elements from the Orient including China and Japan to India and darkest Africa. Cartier was to create objects whose aesthetic was determined by function rather that the Russian inspired objects of the belle Époque whose emphasis was essentially Art for Art sake.

Cartier always had a tradition for horology where during the early 20th Century they would employ several firms in the production of their jewelled clocks.  The firms of Brédillard, Daonneau and Prévost with premises in Paris and workshops in Geneva would supply the movements, while the enamelled cases could be made by Dubret in Paris.  It was during this period that Maurice Coüet at the Prévost workshop began to develop a talent for illusion mechanisms, resulting in a commission for planet or comet clocks as early as 1912. 

During the post war period the style moved away from the delicate garlands of the Belle Époque towards the stark geometric lines of the Art Deco movement and design was also influenced by motifs from the East and Egypt.  An eclectic range of desk clocks were produced in an array of materials from jadeite and nephrite to rock crystal, coral and onyx all variously embellished with polished and facetted gemstones and diamonds.