Important Watches, Collector's Wrist...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2001

LOT 497

Cartier, Paris, No. 38, circa 1925.Exceptional ?Pendule Mystérieuse Modèle A?, 18K gold and rock crystal eight day going Mystery clock, accompanied by the original fitted leather travelling box in original Morocco fited box.

HKD 1,250,000 - 1,500,000

USD 180,000 - 200,000

Sold: HKD 1,340,000

C. Rectangular rock crystal case with molded tapered pediment, yellow gold mounted on a rectangular onyx base. D. White champlevé enamel ring with applied white gold Roman numerals, with rose-cut diamond-set inner minute ring, placed within a rectangular frame decorated en suite. Rose-cut diamond-set hands. M. Rectangular brass frosted and gilt movement with going barrel, gilt platform with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring.Signed on the base.Dim. Height 137 mm, width at the base 91 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

This is a good, early example of the first type of Mystery clock produced by Cartier from 1913 and which established their reputation in this field. The "Modèle A" was the most sought after among the Mystery Clocks. It was produced on an average of one a year, except during the two World Wars, meaning that to date about eighty have been created.Literature:An identical, if not the same, clock was chosen as an outstanding example of horological achievements in Exposition Les Chefs d'oeuvre de L'Horlogerie organized by Musée du Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in 1947 and was published in its commemorative catalog on p.379.