.
  • Full length view of the letter opener lying diagonally on a stone surface, its clock-face handle showing Roman numerals, with a book and stone bowl nearby
  • Another full-length view of the piece on the stone surface beside the book
  • The full letter opener resting on the stone surface near the book, with a crystal coaster nearby
  • Another close-up of the clock face from the front, showing the hour and minute hands and Roman numerals
  • Full-length view of the piece on the book, with the stone bowl and woven coaster visible nearby
  • The letter opener shown from another angle on the stone surface beside the book, a woven silver-rimmed dish visible in the background
  • Closer view of the clock face set into the handle, showing the Roman numeral dial and Cartier signature
  • Close-up of the dial end, showing the Cartier name and Swiss Made text on the clock face
  • Close-up of the back of the handle, showing the engraved limited edition number and Cartier&
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Full length view of the letter opener lying diagonally on a stone surface, its clock-face handle showing Roman numerals, with a book and stone bowl nearby
Another full-length view of the piece on the stone surface beside the book
The full letter opener resting on the stone surface near the book, with a crystal coaster nearby
Another close-up of the clock face from the front, showing the hour and minute hands and Roman numerals
Full-length view of the piece on the book, with the stone bowl and woven coaster visible nearby
The letter opener shown from another angle on the stone surface beside the book, a woven silver-rimmed dish visible in the background
Closer view of the clock face set into the handle, showing the Roman numeral dial and Cartier signature
Close-up of the dial end, showing the Cartier name and Swiss Made text on the clock face
Close-up of the back of the handle, showing the engraved limited edition number and Cartier&

Cartier Modernist Clock Letter Opener, Limited Edition

Found in United States

Cartier's take on the letter opener sets a miniature clock into the handle rather than treating the piece as pure hardware, using an oblong case and stretched Roman numerals that echo the house's signature tonneau watch shapes. The dial sits flush at the top of the blade, so the piece reads first as a small clock and only on a second look as a functional desk tool.

The modernist silhouette, elongated and faceted rather than ornamental, is very much in keeping with Cartier's design language for desk accessories from this period. It is a piece meant to be used daily rather than kept purely for display, opening mail while also giving a glance at the time.

This example is numbered 956 of a limited edition of 2000, making it a genuinely scarce piece rather than an open production item. It was made in Switzerland, home to the clock movement inside, and measures 9 x 1 inch.

A well kept piece of Cartier desk design that would suit either a working desk or a display case, and a strong addition for anyone collecting Cartier objects beyond jewelry and watches.

Collectors Notes

This one belongs alongside the watches and jewelry in our Vintage Cartier collection, a nice reminder that the house's design sense extended well past its most famous categories.

For desk pieces by function, browse our Letter Openers and Home Decor collections.
Dimensions

9 x 1"
Shipping

We ship worldwide, with USPS Ground included for orders within the 48 contiguous U.S. states (5–8 business days). USPS Express (2 business days) is available at checkout for an added cost. Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days, and you’ll receive an email with tracking details once shipped. Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary due to weather, carrier delays, or peak seasons. If you have any questions about your order, contact us at info@collectorsgene.com.

Full length view of the letter opener lying diagonally on a stone surface, its clock-face handle showing Roman numerals, with a book and stone bowl nearby
Another full-length view of the piece on the stone surface beside the book
The full letter opener resting on the stone surface near the book, with a crystal coaster nearby
Another close-up of the clock face from the front, showing the hour and minute hands and Roman numerals
Full-length view of the piece on the book, with the stone bowl and woven coaster visible nearby
The letter opener shown from another angle on the stone surface beside the book, a woven silver-rimmed dish visible in the background
Closer view of the clock face set into the handle, showing the Roman numeral dial and Cartier signature
Close-up of the dial end, showing the Cartier name and Swiss Made text on the clock face
Close-up of the back of the handle, showing the engraved limited edition number and Cartier&
Collectors Gene | Cameron Ross Steiner

Who Are You Buying From?

Every object here has a journey before it ever reaches you. I've spent years seeking these pieces out, in back rooms of old ateliers, from families who've inherited more than they can keep, through dealers I've come to trust, in conversations with people who still work with their hands, because I've always believed the things we choose to live with should carry something true. What began as a private obsession became a devotion, one I now share with my wife and daughter, who remind me daily that the best collections are the ones built to be passed down, not simply owned. What you're holding isn't just an object. You're inheriting its story, and becoming part of its next chapter.

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