Cartier Travel Clock

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Cartier Travel Clock

About the Item

A chrome-plated and leather covered mechanical, eight day, folding, Cartier travel clock with alarm function. The clock design was originally conceived by Jaeger LeCoultre in the 1920s, and was called the 'Ados', and came in a variety of different shapes and formats and was made by Jaeger for many other notable retailers at the time such as Hermès, Cartier and Asprey. This particular example is, in fact, a piece made in house by the then Cartier watch and clock makers; European Watch & Clock Company. “E. W. & C. Co Inc.”. Based in the Jaeger-LeCoultre factory, after Cartier struck a deal with Edmund Jaeger, E. W. & C. Co. movements quickly gained a reputation for being of the highest quality and most exacting specifications. This was a partnership that did not last very long (from the 1920's-1950's), and as a result of which, these E. W. & C. Co. pieces fetch a premium, and are seen as truly original Cartier time pieces. This clock has the movement and case all fully signed European Watch & Clock Co. and is stamped both on the leather case, and on the back plate of the clock under the serial number with Cartier reference stamps. The protective cover of the dial folds back on itself to become the Stand for the clock once placed in position. The dial has a stunning anodized copper finish, with the center polished to a high shine and is fully signed, including the number '8' above the six o'clock position. This signifies that the mechanical movement is an eight day movement, meaning once fully wound, it will have enough power to run for eight days without being wound again. The dial features beautiful applied copper arrow head markers, and the hands are a stunning dauphine shape. There is an additional smaller hand which, is for the setting the alarm. This can be switched on through the main winding stem. This is truly a very rare indeed clock, presented in excellent original condition. There are slight losses to the leather in small areas of the frame, and the dial has a line of discoloration running down from the twelve o'clock marker. However, for its age, it is in excellent condition. Made in Switzerland, circa 1930s.

Creator:
Cartier (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Chrome,Leather
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU91937275213

Shop All Cartier

Cartier

For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)

Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.

Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.

On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.

While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.

On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.