Cartier Pre-Art Deco Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1910
Maker / issuer
CartierThis vertical, rectangular carriage clock is attributed to Cartier, Switzerland, dating to approximately 1910. It is an 8-day going timepiece featuring a quarter-repeater mechanism that strikes on two steel gongs via two hammers, activated by a cabochon sapphire push-piece located on the top panel.
The clock is encased in silver with a translucent blue enamel finish over guilloché engine-turning. Each side panel is set with a central rose-cut diamond, with the top panel decorated en suite. The white enamel dial features suspended Breguet numerals and is equipped with rose-cut diamond-set silver hands. The bezel surrounding the dial is engraved with the phrase "l'amitie vous l'offre". The internal movement is rectangular and constructed of gilded brass, housing two going barrels and a platform with a lateral lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensated balance, and a blued steel flat hairspring.
The object includes its original leather box and key.
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
- 1910
- Dial
- White enamel with suspended Breguet numerals
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- Cartier
- Materials
- Silver, enamel, agate, diamonds, sapphire
- Mechanism
- 8-day quarter-repeater
- Escapement
- Lateral lever escapement
- Provenance
- Desmarais family
- Case Number
- 16770
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Visible features
- • The enamel bezel is engraved with 'l'amitie vous l'offre'. • Each side panel contains a single rose-cut diamond center. • The top includes a cabochon sapphire push-piece for the repeater. • The clock sits on a distinct, light-colored agate base.
- Construction and Design
- The clock follows a vertical, rectangular geometry constructed primarily of silver with extensive enamel decoration. The exterior surfaces are finished with translucent blue enamel applied over a guilloché engine-turned ground. The design incorporates decorative accents including rose-cut diamonds mounted at the center of the side panels, with the top panel receiving similar treatment. The dial is formed from white enamel and utilizes suspended Breguet numerals. Time is displayed via silver hands that are set with rose-cut diamonds. The dial bezel carries an engraved inscription, reading 'l'amitie vous l'offre'. The entire housing is supported by an agate base, and a cabochon sapphire button is located on the top of the case to engage the repeater mechanism.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The auction description reports that the clock originates from the Desmarais Collection. The object was linked to the family of Henri and Charles Boutheroüe-Desmarais, who were prominent industrial figures in the 19th-century petroleum sector. The clock is reported to have been gifted to Paule Boutheroüe-Desmarais, who was the granddaughter of Henri. According to the source, the item was passed through successive generations within the family, eventually reaching the current owner, François, who is a descendant of Paule. The clock is accompanied by its original Cartier-branded leather box and a winding key.
- Movement and Repeater Mechanism
- The clock is powered by a rectangular, gilded-brass movement designed for an 8-day power reserve. The system operates via two going barrels. Regulation and escapement are handled by a platform-mounted lateral lever escapement, featuring a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws. The hairspring is a blued steel flat type, accompanied by a polished steel index-regulator. A quarter-repeater function is integrated into the movement, using two hammers that strike against two steel gongs. The repeater work is located on the main plate beneath the dial, activated by depressing the sapphire push-piece mounted on the exterior top panel of the clock case.
Identification
- Serial number
- 16770
- 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 movement is noted by the auction house to require an overhaul.
- Research required: The specific provenance is based on family tradition provided by the consignor.