Lot 29
  • 29

Attributed to Cartier

Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • A ROCK CRYSTAL, GOLD AND ENAMEL DIAMOND-SET EIGHT-DAY STRUT TIMEPIECE WITH WANDERING HOURS AND MINUTESCIRCA 1920
  • height 9 cm
* highly jeweled 8-day movement * the hours indicated by a star with a large brown diamond, attached to the revolving dial enameled translucent pink with spreading rays, the minutes indicated by an orbiting smaller diamond-set star operated by a hand concealed behind the dial * Roman numerals to the gold and white enamel chapter ring, bordered by rose-cut diamonds, three lacking, diamond-set florettes at the corners, rock crystal strut * movement signed Longines, hand-stamped reference numbers 383 to the winder * original presentation box signed Cartier

Condition

The movement is running, however it might require service soon. The dial appears to be in nice condition with no hairlines or damage. The brown diamond is approximately 1.05 carats, slightly orangey brown. There are three diamonds missing surrounding the enamel bezel. The rock crystal surround is generally in clean condition. There appears to be a natural defect in the rock crystal near the bottom right corner and there is a small chip to the back bottom left edge and an abrasion to the edge of the right back bottom. The red Cartier box is in nice condition, however the handle is slightly cracked and in danger of breaking. Overall this is a lovely clock.
"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.