Cartier. A very fine and elegant 18K gold, diamond and sapphire-set mystery keyless lever watch with original box

Extremely glamourous and well preserved, the present watch is a sumptuous version of Cartier’s famous “mystery” watches made at the end of the 20th century. The solidly constructed gold case is set with baguette white diamonds and square cabochon sapphires in place of numerals.

Cartier’s mystery watches and clocks have become synonymous with the company and were first introduced in 1913 interpreting the invention of French magician and clockmaker Jean Houdin. The mechanism consists of two rotating crystal discs to which the hands are fitted giving the illusion that they have no visible means of turning. The special caliber movement and gearing system to turn the discs is concealed within the case.

Always highly exclusive and desirable, Cartier’s mystery watches continue to fascinate today as much as they have for over 100 years.