Important Watches

Cartier, Paris

A fine and unusual yellow gold miniature prism clock with fitted presentation box, Circa 1953

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

95,000 - 140,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, Paris

A fine and unusual yellow gold miniature prism clock with fitted presentation box, Circa 1953

Dial: silvered sector dial with black Arabic and stretched baton hour indexes, outer chemin-de-fer minute track, blued steel epée hands

Calibre: 6½’’’ LeCoultre rear-wound movement signed European Watch and Clock Co. Inc., grained decoration, lever escapement, 17 jewels, compensation balance, unadjusted, flat hairspring

Movement number: numbered to backplate 87‘593

Case: 18k yellow gold rectangular case with engine-turned decoration, polished bezel, rock crystal prism, winding crown to base, case sides script engraved Martha (left side), 3 Oct 1953 Toujours (right side), base secured by 4 pink gold screws to case sides, case back signed Cartier France, winding crown with directional arrow mounted to base and recessed into left case side for winding

Case number: engraved 012’406, 18k and with French eagle’s head assay mark and Edmond Jaeger punch mark

Size: 17 mm width x 28 mm height

Accessories: Cartier red Moroccan leather fitted box with gold tooled decoration

Creating a wonderfully playful and innovative optical illusion, the prism clock works on the principles of a periscope. Employing two prisms to reflect and refract light, the clock’s dial and hands are made to appear or disappear depending on the viewing angle. A natural complement to Cartier’s famous Mystery clocks, this shared emphasis on illusion and refined craftsmanship exemplifies the cutting-edge innovation that defines Cartier’s horological artistry. Here technical mastery meets creative elegance to produce a timepiece that both captivates the viewer while challenging their perception. Invented by Gaston Cusin, the patent (no. 827'259) for the prism clock was delivered on 4 January 1937. Born in 1897, Cusin was a talented and inventive watchmaker who made his first clock at the age of 14. He was an excellent addition to Maurice Coüet’s workshop, joining when the Cartier affiliated atelier relocated to Paris’s rue Lafayette in 1919.

Jack Forster, Cartier Time Art: Mechanics of Passion, Milan: Skira Editore, 2011. See pp. 352-353 for a similar example.

卡地亞巴黎

精細及獨特黃金迷你稜鏡鐘，約1953年製

附帶盒子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."