CARTIER, Années 1920-1930 - Lot 62

CARTIER, Années 1920-1930 Square, molded onyx table clock, dial encircled by a large, cream-enameled 750 thousandths yellow gold disk with Roman numerals, interspersed with carnelian cabochons, minute track, radiating guilloché gilt dial. Each corner of the clock is adorned with a sugarloaf-cut coral set in a square closed setting in 750 thousandths yellow gold. Dial signed "CARTIER FRANCE". Mechanical hand-wound movement signed "EUROPEAN WATCH AND CLOCK CO INC". Clipped back signed "European Watch and Clock Co France" and numbered "4922 2845". Back numbered "01005". Gilt bronze base engraved "2845 Made in France". French and Swiss work. Diamond-shaped hallmark of the Atelier Maurice COUËT. Dimensions: 7.4x7.4cm. P. Gross weight : 226.6 g. Maurice Couët (1885-1963), master watchmaker, had a privileged relationship with the Maison Cartier as early as 1911. For the latter, he designed models of table clocks that were revolutionary in form and truly distinctive in style. Cartier also owes him the development, in the 1920s, of the "Pendule Mystérieuse" system, which became a distinctive Cartier model. Born into a dynasty of Parisian watchmakers, Maurice Couët (1885-1963) became Cartier's main supplier of clocks and table clocks in 1911. His workshop, located on rue de Lafayette and later rue Réaumur, employed enamellers, gem setters, engravers and guilloche-makers, all of whom worked on the creation of timepieces for which Cartier was the sole beneficiary. Their movements, signed "European Watch & Clock Co. Inc.", the fruit of a partnership between Cartier and Edmond Jaeger, were made in the workshops of Jaeger LeCoultre. Jaeger's handcrafted timepieces redouble their virtuosity. The one presented here is emblematic of his production in terms of form and materials. The models from his workshop stand out for their use of hard stones (onyx, coral, jade, rock crystal, diamonds, chalcedony, etc.), making them unique, delicate and precious. Bibliography : - RUDOE J., Cartier 1900-1939, Paris, Somogy, 1997, P. 42 (For a photograph of Maurice Couët's workshop in 1927). - COLOGNI F., MOCCHETTI E., L'Objet Cartier 150 ans de tradition et d'innovation, Paris, La Bibliothèque des arts, 1992, pp. 100, 126-127. (For models of similar table clocks).