Mauboussin was one of the many French jewellery houses which, in the 1920s and 1930s, were exploring the field of desk and table clocks. These creations were often stunning objects, extremely colourful and exotic in inspiration, with influences principally spanning Egypt to the Far East via the Indian subcontinent.
Art Deco platinum, diamond, onyx, enamel and rock crystal clock by Mauboussin, Paris, 1930, movement by Vacheron & Constantin
This clock is in our opinion the epitome of Art Deco Parisian chic.
The variety of materials employed ranged from polychrome enamels to lacquer, and nearly always featured carved, precious and semi-precious hard stones such as jade, rock crystal, and smoky quartz, among others.
What we particularly admire in this example is the restrained elegance of the forms based on architectural geo-metricism combined with a rigorous monochromatic palette.
All in all we find this a delicious monument to Art Deco taste.
Written by
Further details:
Clock designed as a square-shaped onyx dial featuring diamond-set hands, Arabic numbers and accent lines at the corners mounted in platinum, with four rock crystal supports, black enameled gilded door, with French assay marks
540 old-cut diamonds
Signed Mauboussin and maker’s mark on back of case; movement signed Vacheron Constantin Swiss, no. 404677, Seventeen 17 Jewels Five 5 ADS; back of door no. 11559; underside of support no. 368
Dimensions: 4 3/4 x 4 x 1 3/4 inches / 12.1 x 10.2 x 4.4cm
CERTIFICATION
Mauboussin Certification of Authenticity, dated March 1, 2011, dating the clock to 1930
LITERATURE
De Cerval, Marguerite. Mauboussin. Paris: Editions du Regard, 1992. p. 259
For further information on Mauboussin’s Art Deco platinum, diamond, onyx, enamel and rock crystal clock: info@understanding-jewellery.com
