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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Marcus & Co. Art Deco Cloisonné Enamel Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Art Deco desk clock, attributed to the American firm Marcus & Co. and dated circa 1930, features a multi-material construction. The assembly includes a scalloped lapis lazuli pedestal base supporting two fluted coral columns, which in turn hold a black Chinese lacquer rectangular clock housing. The dial features cloisonné enamel decoration depicting a mountainous river landscape with a Chinese junk vessel. Time is indicated by diamond-set platinum hands pointing to corresponding diamond-set platinum Chinese numerals. The reverse of the housing is also finished with a cloisonné enamel landscape. The clock is powered by an 8-day going movement produced by Mathey-Tissot, signed "E. Mathey-Tissot & Co." and engraved with the serial number 7244. Additional adornments include cabochon stones set into hardstone mounts atop the housing, reflecting the firm's varied material usage.

Front view showing the cloisonné enamel dial with diamond-set numerals and the lapis lazuli and coral base.
Front view showing the cloisonné enamel dial with diamond-set numerals and the lapis lazuli and coral base. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Marcus & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
7244

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

Case Construction

The clock is built upon a base of scalloped lapis lazuli. Rising from this foundation are two fluted columns carved from coral, which support the central rectangular housing. The housing is surfaced in black Chinese lacquer and is embellished with hardstone mounts topped by cabochon stones.

The rear of the clock case is also finished with a cloisonné enamel landscape, mirroring the decoration applied to the dial face, which maintains consistency in the decorative theme across the object's exterior surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “A scalloped lapis lazuli pedestal supports two fluted coral columns that frame a black Chinese lacquer rectangle”
  • “the caseback echoes the same landscape in cloisonné enamel. Cabochon good-luck stones set atop hardstone mounts complete the design.”

Dial and Design

The dial is designed with a cloisonné enamel scene featuring a river, mountains, and a traditional Chinese junk ship. The numerals and hands are crafted from platinum and are set with diamonds. The landscape design is inspired by Chinese artistic traditions and provides the primary visual focus for the clock face.

The desk clock's dimensions are compact, measuring 4 1/4 inches in height, 3 1/8 inches in width, and 2 1/8 inches in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “4 1/4" high x 3 1/8" wide x 2 1/8" deep”

Movement and Attribution

The clock is powered by an 8-day going movement supplied by Mathey-Tissot. The movement is explicitly signed by the maker and bears the serial number 7244, confirming the provenance of the mechanical components as originating from the Swiss firm.

While the movement is a verified Mathey-Tissot production, the overall ensemble is documented as a collaborative luxury piece from the early 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-day going movement was supplied by the prestigious Swiss firm Mathey-Tissot”
  • “Movement signed "E. Mathey-Tissot & Co." and numbered 7244”
  • “attributed to the renowned American firm Marcus & Co.”

Open research questions

  • What is the mineral composition of the cabochon stones mounted on top of the clock?
  • Are there any specific artisan marks on the lacquer work that could clarify the attribution to Marcus & Co.?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marcus & Co. Art Deco Cloisonné Enamel Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMarcus & Co.“attributed to the renowned American firm Marcus & Co.”
Movement MakerMathey-Tissot“8-day going movement was supplied by the prestigious Swiss firm Mathey-Tissot”
Movement SignatureE. Mathey-Tissot & Co.“Movement signed "E. Mathey-Tissot & Co.”
Serial Number7244“numbered 7244”
Datecirca 1930“Circa 1930”
Dimensions4 1/4" high x 3 1/8" wide x 2 1/8" deep“4 1/4" high x 3 1/8" wide x 2 1/8" deep”

Visible details

  • Dial features landscape with Chinese junk
  • Hands and numerals are diamond-set platinum
  • Lapis lazuli pedestal base
  • Movement numbered 7244

Research qualifications

  • Case is attributed to Marcus & Co. rather than fully documented
  • Specific identity of cabochon stones is not verified

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

Consulted source

ساعت رومیزی مارکوس؛ مینای کلوآزونه آرت‌دکو

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record dad409b235

Terms in this record

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

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