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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Cartier Chinese Garniture de Bureau Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Cartier desk clock, identified by the reference "Water Buffalo," is an integrated "Garniture de Bureau" featuring silver-gilt and soapstone elements. The assembly is set upon a leather base and includes two inkwells topped with sculpted soapstone water buffalo and a central pen tray featuring soapstone panels. The clock dial itself is carved from soapstone and features an engraved "囍" (double happiness) symbol. The timepiece utilizes an 8-day movement, which is attributed to the Geneva Clock Co. and dates to approximately 1920. The base of the unit bears a Cartier signature. The entire assembly measures 39 x 16.5 x 11 cm. The auction description reports that the movement is rhodium plated with 15 jewels. The object is a composite desk accessory designed to house a clock, writing ink, and pens, utilizing mineral and metal materials in a thematic configuration.

Desk clock and writing accessory set featuring carved soapstone buffalo inkwell covers and an 8-day clock with soapstone dial.
Desk clock and writing accessory set featuring carved soapstone buffalo inkwell covers and an 8-day clock with soapstone dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Water Buffalo
Catalogue / lot identifier
93
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Garniture Assembly and Materials

The object functions as a desk set combining timekeeping with writing accessories. It is constructed from a leather base that supports three distinct elements: a clock housing in the center and two inkwells on either side. The inkwell covers are carved in the shape of water buffalo figures made from soapstone.

A central pen tray is integrated into the front of the base and is decorated with inlaid soapstone panels. The clock itself is mounted in a frame above the pen tray, featuring a carved soapstone dial that bears the Chinese character for double happiness.

Evidence for this section
  • “set on a leather base with silver-gilt inkwells featuring soapstone water buffalo covers and a pen tray with soapstone panels.”
  • “The soapstone dial is engraved with ‘‘囍’’ (double happiness).”

Movement and Timekeeping

The timepiece is powered by an 8-day movement. The mechanism is described as being rhodium-plated and containing 15 jewels. The source identifies the manufacturer of the movement as the Geneva Clock Co.

According to the provided auction notes, the movement is in a condition that requires an overhaul. The caliber is recorded as a Geneva Clock Co. movement dating to approximately 1920.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-day movement”
  • “Movement by Geneva Clock Co., circa 1920.”
  • “rhodium plated, 15 jewels”

Signatures and Provenance

The base of the garniture carries the signature of Cartier. The source documentation identifies this as a reference named 'Water Buffalo'. The object was previously included in an Antiquorum auction held in Geneva in 2012 as lot 299.

The auction description provides a condition grading for the object, noting the case and dial in good condition, while the movement is noted as requiring maintenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “Base signed Cartier.”
  • “Provenance: Antiquorum Geneva auction, 2012, lot 299”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Open research questions

  • What specific model of movement from the Geneva Clock Co. was utilized by Cartier for this reference?
  • Are there archival records confirming the commission date of this specific Water Buffalo garniture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Chinese Garniture de Bureau Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“CARTIER, REF. WATER BUFFALO, CHINESE GARNITURE DE BUREAU”
ReferenceWater Buffalo“Reference Water Buffalo”
Movement makerGeneva Clock Co.“Movement by Geneva Clock Co.”
Movement type8-day“8-day movement”
Dimensions39 x 16.5 x 11cm“Dimensions 39 x 16.5 x 11cm”
SignatureCartier“Base signed Cartier.”
Dial detailEngraved double happiness symbol“The soapstone dial is engraved with ‘‘囍’’ (double happiness).”
Jewel count15“15 jewels”

Visible details

  • Soapstone dial engraved with the 'double happiness' character.
  • Two sculpted soapstone buffalo figures acting as inkwell lids.
  • Leather base with gold-toned signature marking.
  • 15-jewel rhodium-plated movement visible from the rear.

Research qualifications

  • The source provides a general date of circa 1920s but qualifies the movement origin as attributed to Geneva Clock Co.
  • The source notes that an overhaul is recommended for the movement.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER, REF. WATER BUFFALO, CHINESE GARNITURE DE BUREAU, SILVER GILT AND SOAPSTONE CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3ce6c4e3ab

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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