Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 600

CARTIER - 18 CARAT GOLD MINIATURE ?PENDULE MYSTÉRIEUSE PRISME? ORIGINAL BOX Cartier, No. 100204/011653. Made by the European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., circa 1950. Very fine and extremely rare, miniature, 18K gold and rock crystal mystery clock, made to the design of Gaston Cusin, patented in 1937. Accompanied by the original Cartier goldtooled red morocco leather covered fitted box.

CHF 18,000 - 28,000

USD 20,000 - 30,000 / EUR 15,000 - 23,000

Sold: CHF 32,500

C. Rectangular, polished, the upper section housing two opposing rock crystal prisms, base secured by four screws in the sides, winding and hand-setting crown in a recess in the side. D. Matte silver, painted in mirror-image with black baton indexes and Arabic quarter-hour numerals, outer minute track. Blued steel epee hands. M. 7???, rhodium plated, 16 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws, self-compensating blued steel fl at balance spring, index regulator. Movement and case signed European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., case with Cartier numbers on each part and punch mark EJ for Edmond Jaeger. Dim. 28 x 17 x 17 mm Property of an Italian collector


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

An exquisite and extremely rare miniature Cartier Prisme clock, the desirability of which is enhanced by the survival of the original box. The design was by Gaston Cusin and patented in 1937, it was originally inspired by the periscopes of submarines which gave Cusin the idea of a clock dial refl ected through prisms. Cusin worked with the legendary Maurice Coüet who was the mastermind behind Cartier?s most exceptional mystery clocks such as the ?Modele A?. At eye-level the ?Prisme? clock appears to have an empty space in the top part of the case, only when viewed at a downward angle is the dial refl ected and gives the illusion of appearing in the crystal.