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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Art deco desk clock

Cartier La Pendule Art Deco Desk Clock

Partially verified

Dating to circa the 1930s, this Cartier desk clock, styled 'La Pendule Art Deco', features an upright body sculpted from translucent rose quartz with rounded stepped corners. The clock is supported on an enameled and 18K yellow gold bracket base seated upon a rose quartz plinth. The dial combines iridescent fanned mother-of-pearl marquetry with a black enamel chapter ring decorated with diamond-set Roman numerals and gold floral accents. At its center, a pierced gold plate bearing a Chinese 'Shou' character motif is set with a central diamond. The source records that the timepiece is powered by an eight-day key-wound movement signed by European Watch & Clock Co. Inc.

Front view of the Cartier rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamond, and enamel desk clock
Front view of the Cartier rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamond, and enamel desk clock — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Clock · Art deco desk clock
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
911
Source-reported date
Circa 1930s
Country
France
Source-reported serial
583

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

Material Composition and Case Construction

This Cartier 'La Pendule Art Deco' desk clock is carved from rose quartz, described in the source as a massive block with a soft pink hue. The design incorporates 'coins Japonais' (Japanese corners) and is supported by a base featuring black enamel and 18K yellow gold.

The clock's body is upright, resting on a plinth. The materials utilized in the construction include rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, enamel, and 18K yellow gold.

Evidence for this section
  • “Translucent with a calming soft pink hue crafted from a massive block of rose quartz stone, the corners are elegantly shaped with smooth rounded corners also known as the “coins Japonais, Japanese corners””
  • “Anchored with a decorative base frame with black enamel and yellow gold”
  • “Material Rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, enamel and 18K yellow gold”

Dial Ornamentation

The circular dial features fanned-out mother-of-pearl marquetry. The chapter ring is finished in black enamel with rose-cut diamond Roman numerals and floral markers at five-minute intervals.

The center of the dial displays a gold plate with a 'Shou' character—symbolizing longevity—and is set with a central diamond.

Evidence for this section
  • “The fanned-out marquetry works crafted with mother-of-pearl radiates in iridescent sheen”
  • “Set with rose-cut diamonds Roman numerals, the 5 min markers are decorated with a five petal Sakura flower graphic”
  • “A large diamond sets the centre of the Art Deco hands, an “Shou” symbolled gold plate meaning longevity”

Movement and Identification

The clock is powered by an eight-day key-wound movement manufactured by the European Watch & Clock Co. Inc. The case is numbered 583 and the associated winding key is numbered 1511.

Internal movement components and the reverse side of the case are not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by a European Watch & Clock Co 8-day key wound movement, the desk clock is numbered 583”
  • “Case signed European Watch & Clock Co. Inc, dial signed Cartier”
  • “Accompanied with winding key numbered “1511”.”

Open research questions

  • What is the condition of the internal movement components not visible in the provided photography?
  • Are there additional hallmarks present on the reverse of the rose quartz housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier La Pendule Art Deco Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Number583“Case No 583”
MaterialsRose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, enamel and 18K yellow gold“Material Rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, diamonds, enamel and 18K yellow gold”
Dimensions24cm height x 16cm length X 13.5cm width“Dimensions 24cm height x 16cm length X 13.5cm width”
Movement ManufacturerEuropean Watch & Clock Co. Inc“Case signed European Watch & Clock Co. Inc, dial signed Cartier”
AccessoryWinding key numbered 1511“Accompanied with winding key numbered “1511”.”

Visible details

  • Upright case and rectangular plinth carved from pink rose quartz displaying natural internal veining and crystalline fractures.
  • Circular dial featuring radiating mother-of-pearl marquetry bordered by a black enamel bezel with rose-cut diamond Roman numerals and floral five-minute markers.
  • Central hand arbor mounted with a pierced gold Chinese 'Shou' longevity motif set with a diamond.
  • Stepped bracket mount above the lower plinth executed in black enamel bordered by yellow gold.

Research qualifications

  • The internal eight-day movement, case reverse, and stamped winding key are not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

Cartier The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 78743f40f5

Terms in this record

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