- 29
Attributed to Cartier
Description
- A ROCK CRYSTAL, GOLD AND ENAMEL DIAMOND-SET EIGHT-DAY STRUT TIMEPIECE WITH WANDERING HOURS AND MINUTESCIRCA 1920
- height 9 cm
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present lot is a variation on the famous Mystery clocks by Cartier, and can be compared with the Comet clocks, which operate on the same principle.
Longines confirms production of movement number 2978641 and its sale on 16 December, 1920 to Pérusset & Didisheim, their retailer with offices in Paris and Buenos Aires.
Our research has found that a similar 8-day movement, Longines' cal. 1941, was also fitted for another important Cartier clock sold at Christie's Geneva, 20 November 2008. Longines confirms production of that movement, number 2978627, and its sale 23 December 1920 to Pérusset, just one week following the sale of the movement in the present lot.
Similar examples are illustrated in Barracca, J., Negretti, G. & Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, pp. 48. 62 and 110. Also see Nadelhoffer, Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary, p. 247 and Nadelhoffer, The Art of Cartier, Musée de Petit Palais catalogue, p. 68-9.