Important Watches Collector's Wristwa...

The Ritz-carlton Hotel, Feb 20, 2005

LOT 231

Cartier, ?Panthère Mystérieux?. Made in 1985. Rare and magnificent 18K gold, rock crystal, black onyx, dia-mond and emerald set pendule mysterieuse. Accompanied by original Cartier red morocco leather and gold tooled fitted case.

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C. Circular, enclosed by two diamond and onyx set crouching panthers withemerald set eyes and issuing from tapered flutes, guarding a large rough diamond(approx. 97.14 cts.) on a gold and diamond-set cushion, raised on a rectangularreeded and round-ended pedestal and gold mounted black onyx base. The whole setwith a total of 2,479 diamonds with a total weight of approx. 45.60 cts. D. Black onyxchapter ring with applied diamond set gold Roman numerals, the center composed of twofacet-edged octagonal rock crystal plates, the back with black onyx border set with a gold andbrilliant cut diamond at each quarter. Diamond-set tapered hands with no apparent means ofconnection. M. 45 mm., brushed gilt with cylindrical pillars, 15 jewels, straight line leverescapement, monometallic balance with self-compensating balance spring, regulator with rackadjustment. Signed on the case.Dim. 170 x 110 x 100.5 mm.231


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Notes

The mystery clock has fascinated connoiseurs from the moment the first examples made by Robert Houdin appeared in the 19th century. However, it was the firm of Cartier who used the idea and their excellence as jewelers to produce some of the most fabulous examples. Perhaps the most famous is the Modele "A" made of rock crystal and black onyx, each piece taking around one year to make. The Cartier "Panthere" mystery clock combines technical virtuosity and one of Cartier's most iconic designs - the panther - inspired by the original designs of Jeanne Toussaint and made famous by the Duchess of Windsor. The panther remains one of Cartier's most enduring symbols and has given its name to a whole range of Cartier products.