Part 1 of Cartier Singapore Art of Time Exhibitions:- Precious Time Hall (Warning, Lots of Photographs)..

Precious Time Hall:



Among the pieces which Faberge exhibited in the Russian Pavilion at the Paris Exposition of 1900 were fifteen Imperial Easter eggs. Louis Cartier was dazzled by the intricate patterns of guilloche enamel, of silk like appearance that comes to life with shimmering reflections and darts of light, and decided to start his own production. The creations of this period show how the velvet like quality, depth and delicacy of the enamelling is the perfect counterpart to the refinement of the jewelry manufacturing. In little time the jeweler’s style had spilled over into his timepieces.

In 1907, Cartier combined onyx and diamonds for the first time. A succession of black and white jewelry and watches continued until the 1930s. This colour combination would be one of the foremost expressions of the Modern style.

The “panther spot” pattern appeared for the first time on a circular wristwatch in 1914. The panther theme became a constant of Cartier’s creativity and one of its most powerful iconic symbols.

In 1911, Marucice Couet became the exclusive supplier of clocks to Cartier. Chosen for his extraordinary te chnical mastery and artistic sense, he crafted the first mystery clocks, as well as delicate “comet” desk clocks and others known as rotating hour clocks.

The Roaring Twenties were at their peak in 1925. Trains, planes and automobiles launched a new era of travel and speed,giving rise to a lifestyle which Cartier captured in elegant and modern travel clocks and watches.

After the backdrop of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, functionality prevailed and prompted a new attitude towards luxury. Objects and accessories served a dual purpose, such as pens, letter-openiers, desk sets and cufflinks with integrated watch.

Between 1927 and 1930, Cartier produced a very small number of astonishing magnetic-powered clocks. Numerals were marked on a small bowl filled with water, and a tiny bobbing turtle moved around the bowl to indicate the hour.

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