Important collector's watches, wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Apr 13, 2002

LOT 82

Cartier, Paris, made in 1919. Very fine and important ?Pendule Mystérieuse Modèle A?, 18K gold, onyx, rock crystal and diamond eight day-going Mystery clock.

CHF 150,000 - 200,000

EUR 100,000 - 140,000 / USD 90,000 - 120,000

Sold: CHF 273,000

C. Rectangular rock crystal case with molded tapered pediment, mounted on a rectangular onyx base with four diamonds set in the corner. D. White champlevé enamel ring with yellow gold radial Roman numerals, rose-cut diamond-set inner ring, the whole 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 back of the dial and the base. Dim. Height 137 mm, width at the base 91 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

The clock comes from a very small series of Mystery Clocks designed by Coüet for Cartier that are signed by Cartier on the reverse of the dial, visible from the back. The ?Modèle A? creations was produced by Cartier from 1913 on, established their reputation in the field of Mystery Clocks. 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. An almost identical clock was chosen as an outstanding example of horological achievements in the exhibition ?Les Chefs d'oeuvre de L'Horlogerie? organized by the Musée du Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in 1947, and was published in its commemorative catalogue on p. 379.