• jewelled manual winding lever movement, movement housed within the coral top, hinged mother-of-pearl and diamond and coral lid to reveal the winding and setting mechanism • dial made of smoky quartz, gold and diamond set shaped hands, diamonds and mother-of-pearl twelve sided case with diamond set hour numerals, dial suspended from the top by a coral and diamond set oval-shaped column, the top and dial are two substantial coral panels and smoky quartz columns, the whole surmounted on a large rectangular coral plinth • case, base signed and numbered

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement IS working at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in good condition. Case in good condition with some tarnishing to the silver gilt elements, one coral pannel at 3 o'clock is damaged. Very beautiful piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The Cartier "Pendule Mystérieuses" or "Mystery Clock" exudes a mystic elegance that has captured the imagination of Cartier collectors for decades. Inspired by the work of the 1850s French magician and clockmaker, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Maurice Couet devised the first Mystery Clock in 1913 which was named "Pendules Mysterieuses Model A.".

This mechanically and aesthetically remarkable design was the basis for some of Cartier🦹's m💜ost impressive clocks of the 1920s and beyond. The time appears to float magically in the air, indicated by two rotating crystal disks that suspend the hour hand and minute hand in a captivating dance. From the perspective of the viewer, the clock operates without mechanical means, hence its description as a Mystery clock.

Undoubtedly, these fascinating clocks demand an inquisitive mind-set, determined to decode their complexity while appreciating their perplexing beauty. These magical objects 'depended on a secret which was supposed to never be revealed'¹. Often, Cartier’s own retail staff were discouraged from knowing in-detail the mechanical intricacies♕ of the famed Maison’s Mystery Clock creations. They accepted that “the wonder of these clocks guarded their secret like the Sphinx, and [Cartier] protected them from the eyes of prying admirers.”

Following the legendary creations from the 1920s, Cartier revisited the Mystery clock theme in the 1980s, creating modern masterpieces based on the earlier models. The magical wonder of Cartier Mystery Clocks prevails today with the present lot.
¹Nadelhoffer, H., Cartier, pp. 276