.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The present exceptional Cartier Pendule Haute Joaillerie ‘Dragon’ clock magnificently captures the spirit and incredible craftsmanship of the Art Deco period. Made as a limited edition of eight pieces, of which the present clock is no. 1, it represents the ultimate in luxury and a pinnacle of Cartier’s contemporary creations.
From the dawn of the 20th century, the company’s timepieces have captivated the world’s richest and most discerning clientele, not only for their mechanical excellence and ingenuity but also for the perfection and confidence of their design.
Faithfully crafted in the style of the clocks that Cartier created in the early 20th century, with a traditional manual-winding mechanical movement, this sumptuous Dragon clock is constructed from 18k white gold, onyx, and rock crystal for the three-dimensional dragon figure, with its eyes set with faceted rubies. The spectacular dial features a parquetry of mother-of-pearl, with white gold Roman hour numerals set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The profiles of the hour and minute hands are ingeniously shaped to form a stylized dragon.
Cartier’s clocks are true masterpieces that perfectly demonstrate their confidence in design, expert craftsmanship in precious and semi-precious materials, and sheer technical brilliance, all combining to create the iconic ‘magic’ of Cartier, as so admirably showcased by the present clock.
Cartier
The House of Cartier was founded in 1847 when the 28-year-old Louis-François Cartier took over a shop at 29 rue Montorgueil in Paris. His son Alfred assumed control of the company in 1874, by which time it had already gained an excellent reputation. However, it was Alfred’s three sons - Louis, Pierre, and Jacques - who would go on to establish Cartier as a world-renowned jewelry brand.
While Louis retained responsibility for Paris, Jacques went to London in 1902 and, only two years later, received the Royal Warrant, granting Cartier the honor of supplying jewelry to King Edward VII and his court. Pierre traveled to New York, where, in 1917, he famously acquired 653 Fifth Avenue in exchange for two strands of the finest pearls. This prime piece of real estate remains a flagship store to this day.
Since then, the Maison has expanded globally, becoming what many consider the finest jewelry house in the world. Its clientele has encompassed royalty, film stars, and business magnates. King Farouk of Egypt, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Clark Gable all turned to Cartier to acquire or commission their treasured jewelry pieces.
From the dawn of the 20th century, the company’s timepieces have captivated the world’s richest and most discerning clientele, not only for their mechanical excellence and ingenuity but also for the perfection and confidence of their design.
Faithfully crafted in the style of the clocks that Cartier created in the early 20th century, with a traditional manual-winding mechanical movement, this sumptuous Dragon clock is constructed from 18k white gold, onyx, and rock crystal for the three-dimensional dragon figure, with its eyes set with faceted rubies. The spectacular dial features a parquetry of mother-of-pearl, with white gold Roman hour numerals set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The profiles of the hour and minute hands are ingeniously shaped to form a stylized dragon.
Cartier’s clocks are true masterpieces that perfectly demonstrate their confidence in design, expert craftsmanship in precious and semi-precious materials, and sheer technical brilliance, all combining to create the iconic ‘magic’ of Cartier, as so admirably showcased by the present clock.
Cartier
The House of Cartier was founded in 1847 when the 28-year-old Louis-François Cartier took over a shop at 29 rue Montorgueil in Paris. His son Alfred assumed control of the company in 1874, by which time it had already gained an excellent reputation. However, it was Alfred’s three sons - Louis, Pierre, and Jacques - who would go on to establish Cartier as a world-renowned jewelry brand.
While Louis retained responsibility for Paris, Jacques went to London in 1902 and, only two years later, received the Royal Warrant, granting Cartier the honor of supplying jewelry to King Edward VII and his court. Pierre traveled to New York, where, in 1917, he famously acquired 653 Fifth Avenue in exchange for two strands of the finest pearls. This prime piece of real estate remains a flagship store to this day.
Since then, the Maison has expanded globally, becoming what many consider the finest jewelry house in the world. Its clientele has encompassed royalty, film stars, and business magnates. King Farouk of Egypt, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Clark Gable all turned to Cartier to acquire or commission their treasured jewelry pieces.