• manual winding lever movement • dial with chinoiserie scene in tinted mother of pearl depicting a gated garden against the countryside with four figures, applied yellow gold pavé diamond Roman numerals, pavé diamond stylized hands • hinged octagonal case, the bezel composed of silver gilt, carved coral and onyx with yellow gold and diamond set corners, case back with silver gilt and mother of pearl, the case fixed to the two rock crystal pillars at 3 and 9 o'clock, rotating from said fixtures, pillars with onyx capitals finely dressed with yellow gold and silver gilt cabochon sapphire and diamond set accents, surmounted by carved rock crystal Shíshī lions, the two pillars with coral silver gilt, yellow gold and carved ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond set bases, all surmounted upon a large rock crystal plinth finely decorated with onyx, yellow gold, carved ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond set accents • case and movement signed, hallmarked throughout

CASE Case is overall very attractive and intact. Coral bezel with small fractures, especially to the face at 9, and to the back where the case meets the adjoining pillar. Heavy oxidation to the silver gilt and yellow gold areas. Wear to the finely detailed lions. Rock crystal plinth with interior areas of inconsistency, normal to the organic nature of the material. Octagonal case rotates along the two pillars, but with some rigidity. Coral pillar bases with some wear, and oxidation between the adjoining plates. Diamonds have not been tested for quality. DIAL Dial is highly attractive, with facets of color change along different planes and angles. The chinoiserie scene is with four figures, two between 7 and 8, and two between 1 and 2. Diamonds have not been tested for quality. Some light wear and debris. MOVEMENT The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The total diamond weight is approximately 7.20 cts. From 1919 to 1936, Cartier created some of the world's most extraordinary clocks. Cartier's Art Deco period creations took inspiration from Egyptian, Persian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cultures and motifs. They were highly imaginative and fanciful, using a full arsenal of fine jewels and precious stones.

When Cartier re-opened their jeweled clock department in the 1970s, it was no surprise that it was extremely well received. Many popular designs and techniques of the Art Deco period were re-imagined for the modern client. Indeed, the present lot emulates with striking similarity details to a desk timepiece from 1926, illustrated in Barracca, J., Negretti, G., Nencini, F., Le Temps De Cartier, 1989, p. 167. Two rock crystal pillars are finely set with carved gemstones in the 'tutti frutti' style and surmounted by engraved Shíshī lions, clearly mirrored in the present lot. A hinged hexagonal dial bordered by black lacquer and carved coral also features comparable details to the present timepiece.

The luxurious multi faceted dial of the present lot is made of lacquered mother of pearl. The technique of laque burgauté was employed, where black lacquer is applied to tinted and sometimes engraved mother of pearl, with silver and gold foil inlays. The composition is then polished in order to obtain a water resistant, high shine finish. 

The present lot is illustrated prominently in Barracca, J., Negretti, G., Nencini, F., Le Temps De Cartier, 1989, p. 306. 

Another similar period timepiece made in 1928 is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue Retrospective-Louis Cartier: One Hundred & One Years of the Jeweler's Art, October 13-October 29, 1976, p. 58, pl. 110.

For further examples of Cartier desk timepieces of Chinese inspiration, see op. cit, p. 167, 169, 172-3, and 176.