Gold-plated Alarm Clock
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.97 in (50 mm)Width: 1.97 in (50 mm)Diameter: 1.97 in (50 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:21st century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU33621289762
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Van Cleef & Arpels Charms Watch, 32 mmBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in London, GBBorn from the love story between Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, French brand Van Cleef & Arpels showcases its adoration for jewellery and watchmaking since 1906. Bringing toget...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Chanel Matelasse 1993 Quartz 20mm WatchBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA Chanel watch should be the next piece to add to your watch collection. Simple, small, yet classic and sophisticated, this Matelasse watch from 1993 do...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
- Cartier Tank Américaine WatchBy CartierLocated in London, GBThe Tank Américaine watch was first launched in 1989. This is a small model with quartz movement. The case is in a white gold set with brilliant cut d...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond
- Celine Vintage Medallion Clip on EarringsBy CelineLocated in London, GBVintage, gold-tone medallion clip-on earrings from Céline. Colour: Gold, pearl Material: Gold-plated metal Measurements: Width: 2.5cm Condition: Very good condition.Category
Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings
- Moschino Vintage Drop Peace EarringsLocated in London, GBMoschino Vintage Drop Peace Earrings. Add a cool dash of boho-chic to any ensemble with these Gold plated metal large drop peace earrings from Moschin...Category
20th Century Unknown Dangle Earrings
- 1993 Chanel Gripoix Floral PendantsBy Maison Gripoix for ChanelLocated in London, GBThese pendant earrings were designed for Chanel's Spring-Summer collection in 1993. They feature beautiful Gripoix glass in emerald green and rose pink, as well as dazzling rhineston...Category
1990s Clip-on Earrings
- Patek Phillipe Red Gilloché Enamel Pendant WatchBy Patek PhilippeLocated in London, GBHere we have an outstanding rare find in an antique Patek Philippe pendant watch made during the late 19th century. The piece has been cra...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Pocket Watches
MaterialsGold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- 14k Yellow Gold Illinois Open Face Hand Engraved Pocket Watch with White DialBy Illinois Watch CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CAAbsolutely beautiful pocket watch. Made by Illinois 1900s. Heavy gauge 14K yellow gold. In pristine crisp condition with hand engraving on the back. 17 jewels. Manual wind. Whit...Category
20th Century American Art Deco Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold, 14k Gold
- Antique French 18k Gold 3.25ctw Rose Cut Diamond Covered Pocket Watch PendantLocated in Montclair, NJHere we have an absolutely gorgeous, antique, French-made pocket watch pendant featuring a solid 18k rose gold case that's completely covered with old rose cut diamonds that are pave...Category
Antique 1870s French Pocket Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Tissot Yellow Gold Plated Open Faced Stylist Pocket Watch circa 1950sBy TissotLocated in New York, NYTissot 18k yellow gold plated Stylist pocket watch, with sweep center seconds and baton markers.Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold, Gold Plate
- Antique Victorian T-Bar Box Pocket Watch Tassel ChainLocated in Rotterdam, NLAn antique Victorian short T-bar box pocket watch chain set with a tassel pendant. The vest T-bar, box chain and the lovely tassel adorned with rose flowers on top are made of 14 karat gold. The box chain is also called "Venetian" chain, thanks to its origins in artisanal Venetian jewelry...Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Pocket Watches
Materials14k Gold
- Yellow Gold with Chronograph and Quarter Hour Repeater FunctionsLocated in Surfside, FLFine Swiss-made hunter case pocket watch in 14k yellow gold with chronograph and quarter hour repeater functions. Manual wind LeCoultre Ebauche movement with 29 jewels. 52 mm case size. Ref 227405. Fine Pre-owned Swiss made Watch. Certified preowned Classic Swiss made pocket watch...Category
20th Century Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.