Gem-set desk clock, Cartier, 1920s. Photo Sotheby's

The circular yellow gold dial applied with Roman numerals, the hands set with rose-cut diamonds, to the black enamel and cabochon ruby bezel, set within a rutilated rock crystal arched case decorated with jade plaques carved in a floral pattern, respectively embellished with a rose-cut diamond and a cabochon ruby, dial signed Cartier, case engraved 'Isabel' and numbered, one rose-cut diamond and a cabochon ruby deficient on the jade plaques, slightly imperfect. Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000 CHF. Lot Sold: 21,250 CHF

LITERATURE: Cf: Franco Cologni and Ettore Mocchetti, L'Objet Cartier, 150 ans de Tradition et d' Innovation, Paris 1992, pages 92-93 and 100 for examples of similar desk clocks.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. Geneva | 19 Nov 2008