Cartier Chinese Garniture de Bureau Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
Maker / issuer
CartierThis Cartier desk clock, identified by the reference "Water Buffalo," is an integrated "Garniture de Bureau" featuring silver-gilt and soapstone elements. The assembly is set upon a leather base and includes two inkwells topped with sculpted soapstone water buffalo and a central pen tray featuring soapstone panels.
The clock dial itself is carved from soapstone and features an engraved "囍" (double happiness) symbol. The timepiece utilizes an 8-day movement, which is attributed to the Geneva Clock Co. and dates to approximately 1920. The base of the unit bears a Cartier signature. The entire assembly measures 39 x 16.5 x 11 cm. The auction description reports that the movement is rhodium plated with 15 jewels. The object is a composite desk accessory designed to house a clock, writing ink, and pens, utilizing mineral and metal materials in a thematic configuration.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Cartier
- Reference
- Water Buffalo
- Signature
- Cartier
- Dimensions
- 39 x 16.5 x 11cm
- Dial detail
- Engraved double happiness symbol
- Jewel count
- 15
- Movement type
- 8-day
- Movement maker
- Geneva Clock Co.
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Visible features
- • Soapstone dial engraved with the 'double happiness' character. • Two sculpted soapstone buffalo figures acting as inkwell lids. • Leather base with gold-toned signature marking. • 15-jewel rhodium-plated movement visible from the rear.
- Movement and Timekeeping
- The timepiece is powered by an 8-day movement. The mechanism is described as being rhodium-plated and containing 15 jewels. The source identifies the manufacturer of the movement as the Geneva Clock Co. According to the provided auction notes, the movement is in a condition that requires an overhaul. The caliber is recorded as a Geneva Clock Co. movement dating to approximately 1920.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The base of the garniture carries the signature of Cartier. The source documentation identifies this as a reference named 'Water Buffalo'. The object was previously included in an Antiquorum auction held in Geneva in 2012 as lot 299. The auction description provides a condition grading for the object, noting the case and dial in good condition, while the movement is noted as requiring maintenance.
- Garniture Assembly and Materials
- The object functions as a desk set combining timekeeping with writing accessories. It is constructed from a leather base that supports three distinct elements: a clock housing in the center and two inkwells on either side. The inkwell covers are carved in the shape of water buffalo figures made from soapstone. A central pen tray is integrated into the front of the base and is decorated with inlaid soapstone panels. The clock itself is mounted in a frame above the pen tray, featuring a carved soapstone dial that bears the Chinese character for double happiness.
Identification
- Reference
- Water Buffalo
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source provides a general date of circa 1920s but qualifies the movement origin as attributed to Geneva Clock Co.
- Research required: The source notes that an overhaul is recommended for the movement.