Cartier European Watch & Clock Co. Travel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1930's
This Cartier / European Watch & Clock Co. travel clock, dated circa 1930's, is constructed from 18k yellow gold and finished with black enamel accents. Measuring approximately 64 x 42 x 15 mm in its closed position, the instrument features a manual-wind movement with a 15-jewel caliber.
The clock displays a mother-of-pearl dial with Arabic numeral indices. The case, dial, and movement are signed by the European Watch & Clock Co. The design incorporates a hinged case that serves as both the housing and the desk stand for the timekeeping unit. The auction description notes the piece is a rare example of a travel clock rendered in gold, rather than the more frequently encountered sterling silver.
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
- Date
- circa 1930's
- Type
- Travel clock
- Maker
- Cartier/ European Watch & Clock Co.
- Movement
- 15 jewels
- Materials
- 18k yellow gold and enamel
- Dimensions
- 64 x 42 x 15 mm (closed)
- Provenance
- Property of a British collector
- Signatures
- Cartier, European Watch & Clock Co.
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Serial Number
- 4527/2551/0864/2562
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier / European Watch & Clock Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Case decorated with black enamel inlay • Mother-of-pearl dial with applied Arabic numerals • Rectangular hinged body configuration • Horizontal striated gold surface finish
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The clock features a mother-of-pearl dial, which the auction description indicates is free from damage. It displays Arabic numerals to indicate the hours. The dial is signed with the 'Cartier' name, and the word 'FRANCE' is printed at the lower edge. The clock is powered by a manual-wind movement containing 15 jewels. The movement is also signed by the European Watch & Clock Co. Regarding the functional state, the auction house reports that while the dial is in very good condition, the movement is in need of an overhaul.
- Case and Exterior Design
- The travel clock is presented in an 18k yellow gold case featuring black enamel decorative inlays. The exterior exhibits a distinct striated pattern across the gold surfaces. When closed, the object measures 64 x 42 x 15 mm, designed to protect the dial during transit. The hinged construction allows the upper portion to unfold, positioning the dial at an angle for desk use. The case is marked with the serial number 4527/2551/0864/2562. According to the auction description, while travel clocks were frequently manufactured in sterling silver, this 18k gold version is considered rare. The case bears the signature of the European Watch & Clock Co. The auction house reports that the case is in very good condition, noting only slight scratches on the gold surfaces.
- Provenance and Identification
- The object is identified as a product of the collaboration between Cartier and the European Watch & Clock Co., with the latter responsible for the internal mechanics and signed components. It is dated to the 1930s. The clock is documented as belonging to a British collector, which constitutes its known provenance in the context of the current sale. The identification of the piece is reinforced by the presence of signatures across the case, dial, and movement, all consistent with the European Watch & Clock Co. branding mentioned in the auction documentation.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4527/2551/0864/2562
- 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: Condition report mentions the movement requires an overhaul
- Research required: Auction report notes case has slight scratches