Cartier World Time Desk Clock for American Express

Description

This Cartier World Time Desk Clock for American Express, dating to circa 1965, is of rectangular form with a stepped top and base, finished in brushed and polished gold-plated brass.

The silvered dial features a revolving gilded map of the Northern Hemisphere, surrounded by applied gilt and black faceted baton indexes. Between the map and outer indexes is a revolving 24-hour world time ring divided between the names of major cities and countries.

The clock is fitted with a Concord Watch Co. 55mm movement, calibre IMF544, with chronometer adjustment, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws, self-compensating flat balance spring and micrometre regulator.

Made for American Express, the clock is numbered Cartier No. 347, with the movement by Concord Watch Co.

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Literature

Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue p.73

Provenance

This clock previously sold at Antiquorum Auctions in Hong Kong for HKD 75,000 (£7,649.37 GBP) not including premium in their 2010 sale ‘Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces’ Lot 150.

Who is Cartier?

Cartier is a French luxury brand that designs and supplies extremely high quality jewellery, objects, leather goods, and watches. Initially founded by Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) in Paris 1847, the company remained under family control until 1964.

Cartiers headquartered are found in Paris and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group which also owns companies such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chloe and Dunhill. Cartier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries, with three Historical Maisons in London, New York, and Paris.

For further informations see our Makers and Retailers profile on Cartier.

Who was the Concord Watch Co.?

Founded in 1908, in Biel, Switzerland, the brand’s vision was to design watches for the American Market. Concord made several innovations during its history, such as being one of the first “private label” luxury watches to incorporate precious metals and gems. It was also the first company to make a wristwatch made of coins.

Concord was purchased in 1970 by the North American Watch Company, which also distributed Piaget and Corum watches. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s, Concord produced luxury quartz (battery) watches. Flagship models such as the ‘Concord Centurion’ and ‘Concord Delirium’ ranged from $2,000 to $20,000, surpassing the price of base automatic Rolex, Cartier and Omega wristwatches.

By the 1990s, Concord watches fell out of style and grew obsolete amidst the rebranding of the company. While the brand still exists today, it never regained its market position or visibility.

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