By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s
A rare and highly collectible Cartier desk and travel clock with a unique aviation provenance. Issued by Cathay Pacific Airways to long‑haul pilots, this piece was designed as a refined bedside or desk companion during stopovers. Featuring the airline’s stamp on the caseback, it combines Cartier elegance with genuine historical significance.
Key Details
• Model: Cartier Desk & Travel Clock
• Era: Mid‑1980s
• Case Size: 50mm x 50mm
• Case Material: Brass
• Dial: Signed Cartier Paris
• Hour Markers: Black Roman numerals
• Hands: Classic Cartier style
• Crown: Set with original blue cabochon stone
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Time (alarm no longer operational)
• Mechanism: Foldable travel case design
Condition Report
Case: Shows visible marks and scratches from travel use, adding authentic character and provenance.
Dial: Clean and well preserved with strong Cartier signature and legibility.
Hands: Original and in excellent condition.
Crown: Blue cabochon intact and original.
Overall: A well‑travelled piece with honest wear, consistent with its history and purpose.
Working Order
Quartz movement recently fitted with a new battery.
Timekeeping is accurate and reliable.
Alarm function no longer operational and reflected in pricing.
Our View
This is far more than just a travel clock — it is a piece of aviation history. Cartier objects with documented airline provenance are rarely seen, and the connection to Cathay Pacific pilots makes this particularly special. The classic Roman dial, blue cabochon crown and foldable design give it unmistakable Cartier identity, while its honest wear tells a story of real use across the globe.
A rare opportunity to acquire a unique and meaningful Cartier collectible that stands apart from typical luxury desk clocks.
Category
1980s European Vintage Artisan Desk Accessories