342 . Cartier
A very fine and rare yellow gold , nephrite , sapphire and diamond-set desk clock with opalescent fluorescent enamel dial and original fitted presentation box
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Manufacturer Cartier Year Circa 1915
Reference No . With Cartier hand stamped reference number 1 ’ 426
Material Yellow gold , nephrite , sapphires and diamonds
Dimensions 95 mm width and 7 4 mm . high
Signed Dial signed , case numbered
Estimate HKD 240,000-400,000 USD 30,000-50,000
Accessories With original Cartier fitted presentation box .
Literature For a similar nephrite clock with molded edges and coral cabochons on the corners , please see The Cartier Collection by Flammarion , page 247 .
This clock , manufactured by Cartier to the highest standard , is made from a nephrite hardstone . The dial is an incredible guilloché enamel and the hands are set with diamonds . The clock is also decorated with millegrain gold work and sapphire gemstones . Remarkably , the clock still retains its original fitted presentation box .
It is well documented that Cartier was heavily influenced by Fabergé in the beginning of the 20th century . The construction of this clock is very much in the Russian Fabergé style , evident by the use of hardstone , gemstones , millegrain work and the lovely and unusual opalescent fluorescent enamel dial . The manufacture of these dials requires an additional heat process that generate the opalescent effect , which is incredibly difficult to achieve . A Cartier clock with opalescent dial can be found on the Paris City Council gifts , which they had Cartier commissioned for Nicolas Nzar II , which was an incredible nephrite , gold and opalescent enamel Imperial egg .
In excellent overall condition , the present lot illustrates Louis Cartier ' s desire to control the Russian market at a time when the imperial court and Tzar Nicholas II were incredibly powerful clients .