Lot 160
  • 160

CARTIER | A ROCK CRYSTAL MOTHER OF PEARL YELLOW GOLD SILVER GILT AND DIAMOND SET DESK TIMEPIECE CIRCA 1960

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • A ROCK CRYSTAL MOTHER OF PEARL YELLOW GOLD SILVER GILT AND DIAMOND SET DESK TIMEPIECE CIRCA 1960
Dial: lacquered mother of pearl, diamond set handsCaliber: cal. 244, 15 jewelsMovement number: 24479074Case: rock crystal, mother of pearl, yellow gold, silver gilt and diamond set, screw set case backCase number: 212732Closure: hinged strutSize: diameter 14.8 cmSigned: case, movement signed ImHof

Condition

CASE The case and rock crystal are in excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage. DIAL The dial is in excellent overall condition. MOVEMENT The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The total diamond weight is approximately 2.67 cts.  From 1919 to 1936, Cartier created some of the world's most extraordinary clocks. Cartier's Art Deco period creations took inspiration from Egyptian, Persian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cultures and motifs. They were highly imaginative and fanciful, using a full arsenal of fine jewels and precious stones. The atelier's production of fine desk timepieces has been in demand ever since, with many popular designs from the Art Deco period re-imagined for the modern client. 

The luxurious multi faceted dial of the present lot is made of lacquered mother of pearl. The technique of laque burgautĂ© was employed, where black lacquer is applied to tinted and sometimes engraved mother of pearl, with silver and gold foil inlays. The composition is then polished in order to obtain a water resistant, high shine finish. The present dial depicts a fertile garden scene heightened by pavĂ© diamond set hands. The elegant and difficult to master dial technique pays tribute to Cartier's heritage of excellence in elevating their masterworks to that of high art. 

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.