FINE AND RARE ART DÉCO ROCK CRYSTAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND 'MODEL-A' MYSTERY CLOCK, CARTIER

Fermé28 November 2018

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GBP 560,750

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FINE AND RARE ART DÉCO ROCK CRYSTAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND 'MODEL-A' MYSTERY CLOCK, CARTIER
Rock crystal, rose-cut diamonds, enamel, onyx, 13.5x8.8x5.0 cm, circa 1920, signed Cartier, numbered, original key, original fitted red leather Cartier case

The ‘Model A’ Pendules Mystérieuse or Mystery Clock was first introduced by Louis Cartier in 1913 after years of collaboration with the ingenious watch maker Maurice Coüet (1885-1963). These clocks were an astounding technical innovation, whereby the clock hands appeared to float in space without any connection to a mechanical movement. The mechanism was in fact concealed within the frame, the miniature gears turning transparent crystal discs upon which the hands were mounted, thus creating an optical illusion which amazed and delighted in equal measure. Each clock was exclusively manufactured in Paris, made by hand by a team of artisans including not only a watchmaker but also a designer, 'orfèvre-boîtier', enameller, lapidary, setter, engraver and polisher and taking up to a year to create in each case.

The secrets of the Mystery Clock were closely guarded, even from Cartier’s own staff, ensuring the ‘magic’ of each timepiece was preserved. Even today, these bejewelled clocks are considered by many to be one of Cartier’s greatest technical achievements.

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FINE AND RARE ART DÉCO ROCK CRYSTAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND 'MODEL-A' MYSTERY CLOCK, CARTIER

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FINE AND RARE ART DÉCO ROCK CRYSTAL, ONYX AND DIAMOND 'MODEL-A' MYSTERY CLOCK, CARTIER

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