Cartier Trinity De Cartier Desk Clock Ref. 2859 (Circa Mid-2000s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Cartier has been making clocks for far longer than it has been making wristwatches. From the early 20th century onwards, the desk clock became one of the Maison’s great outlets for design, giving Cartier room to experiment with forms and mechanisms that sat somewhat apart from its watches and jewellery. The famous mystery and prism clocks are perhaps the best known examples, but the simpler designs can be just as revealing of Cartier’s approach to objects.

The Trinity Desk Clock Ref. 2859 takes that simpler route. Its case is built around three interlocking rings, with the clock itself contained within the rotating centre. There is very little ornamentation, yet the design is immediately identifiable as Cartier. The Trinity motif does almost all of the work.

First introduced in 1924, Trinity has become one of Cartier’s most enduring designs. The three interlocking bands are traditionally associated with unity, mystery and eternity, and what began as a ring has since found its way across the Maison’s jewelry and other objects. On the Ref. 2859, that familiar motif is given a slightly different purpose. Rather than being worn, the three rings become the structure of the clock itself.

That makes the Ref. 2859 an appealing piece of Cartier design history. It sits outside the more familiar world of Tanks and Santos, but carries one of the Maison’s most recognisable signatures. Examples do appear at auction from time to time, although they remain considerably less familiar than Cartier’s watches and jewellery.

Our example is particularly well preserved and retains its original Cartier presentation box and papers. For an object designed as much to be lived with as it is to be collected, finding one in this condition and with its original accessories makes the complete set especially appealing.

And that is perhaps the charm of the Ref. 2859. It is not trying to be a mystery clock or one of Cartier’s more elaborate mechanical objects. Instead, it takes one of the Maison’s most familiar designs and turns it into something you can keep on a desk or bedside table. For a collector, it offers a different way of experiencing the same design language, not on the wrist or around the neck, but as a small object that becomes part of its surroundings.

CONDITION:
8.5/10. The clock is in excellent overall condition, with some light signs of use. Minor marks, hairlines, and areas of oxidation are present, consistent with age and normal handling.

The battery has recently been replaced, and the clock is currently running well. There is a layer of protective sticker still attached to the mineral glass.

Offered as a full set, complete with its original Cartier presentation case and accompanying paperwork.

DIMENSIONS:
73.5mm diameter
13mm thickness

CRYSTAL:
Mineral glass

FUNCTIONS:
Time and alarm

CASE:
Metal with the outer Trinity rings finished in tri-colour gold plating

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none

CALIBRE:
Swiss ETA Cal. 804.192, quartz

COMES WITH:
Clock, Cartier presentation case, papers

TERMS OF SALE:
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