Cartier/European Watch & Clock Co., Inc.

• circular nickel lever movement signed European Watch & Clock Co., Inc., bi-metallic compensation balance, 15 jewels, three adjustments • circular black dial set with tinted mother-of-pearl-set chinoiserie scene depicting a scholar on an inlet landscape among a pagoda and tree, Gothic hands • gold chapter ring to the bezel set with red enamel Roman, dot and trianglar numerals, jade square case with triangular carved green jade spandrels, gilt case back and strut • case and strut hand-stamped with Cartier numbers

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. It is decorated with a côtes de Genève pattern. The inside of the case back is stamped 3693 and 2146. The outside of the case back is stamped 0671. The strut is stamped 3693 and 2146 on the interior and 'Cartier, 2146, Paris' on the exterior. The dial is in very good condition with one chip that has subsequently been repaired on the tree trunk next to the central arbor. The case is also in very nice condition with no visible losses to the onyx or jade, and the enamel has a few very small losses. The gold on the bezel has oxidized a bit. Overall a very beautiful piece to behold.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

For similar examples of Cartier pendulette pieces of Chinese inspiration, see Barracca, J., Negretti, G., and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, 1989, pp. 167, 169, 172-3 and 176.  

The 1920s marked a heightened interest in exotic motifs from the East, and many of Cartier's pieces incorporated materials like jade to match the Asian aesthetic. Such pieces promised, as advertised for Cartier's 1929 Paris exposition, 'the incarnation of an impalpable dream of the Orient.' (Barracca et al, pp. 81-2, 180)