In the worlds of horology and fine art, certain moments stand out as milestones. On May 24, such a moment occurred at The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII held by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, where two museum-quality art deco clocks by Cartier, from a distinguished private collection, sold for a staggering combined total of HK$18 million (US$2.3 million).
Here’s what you need to know about these rare and exquisite vintage timekeepers.
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The highlight of the auction was the sale of the La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock. This piece alone fetched HK$15 million (US$1.92 million) after a nail-biting 25-minute bidding war featuring 75 bids; the winning bid was more than seven times its pre-sale estimate.
La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock
Cartier La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
The “South Pointing Fish” compass used to tell time in the Cartier La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
Cartier La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock and the original presentation box (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
Cartier La Pendule Magnétique Water Clock described in Cartier’s Tome (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
Crafted by Maurice Couët, Cartier’s most renowned horologist, this is believed to be one of only four magnetic clocks said to have ever been made. The clock is made of a range of materials: marble, silver, lapis lazuli, nephrite, coral, mother-of-pearl, enamel and jade. The design is inspired by the ancient Chinese “South Pointing Fish” compass, with a jade basin cradled by a jade chimera, symbolising good fortune and wisdom in Far Eastern mythology.
Cartier’s recognition of this masterpiece is well-documented in literature, including the prestigious tome The Cartier Collection: Timepieces. Described as the most precious of all the magnetic floating table clocks of the 20th century, its demand is further emphasised in Hans Nadelhoffer’s classic book Cartier, in which it is celebrated as the “the version most refined”.
Jade Panel Table Clock
A possibly unique jade panel and yellow gold table clock (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
The decorated nephrite panel (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
Jade Panel Table Clock (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
The five-clawed dragon surround the open face watch (Photo: courtesy of Phillips Watches)
Another Cartier timepiece, a jade panel table clock, sold for HK$2.9 million (US$374,180). This clock is a homage to the Qing Dynasty, specifically to the work of Dong Bang Da, the esteemed painter at Emperor Qianlong’s court. The artistry of this clock extends beyond its timekeeping function, featuring a carved jade panel that serves as a canvas for a poetic landscape inspired by Dong’s painting and an inscription of a poem by Emperor Qianlong himself.
The clock, adorned with carved sapphires, emeralds, rubies and pearls, encapsulates a scene of serene beauty. An eight-day watch by the European Watch & Clock, encircled by a dragon for added auspiciousness, sits elegantly on the upper left, completing this masterpiece of art deco and historical reverence.
The success of these sales not only underscores the enduring appeal of Cartier’s creations but also sets a high bar for the upcoming New York Watch Auction: X. As Phillips Watches prepares to unveil two more clocks from the collection, the anticipation among collectors and enthusiasts continues to build.
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