Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 31, 2026

LOT 348

CARTIER, REF. 7949, MYSTERY CLOCK, YELLOW GOLD, SILVER GILT, ROCK CRYSTAL, LAPIS LAZULI, NEPHRITE AND DIAMOND

HKD 1,200,000 - 2,500,000

EUR 132,000 - 272,000 / CHF 120,000 - 250,000 / USD 154,000 - 320,000 / JPY 23,950,000 - 49,900,000

An impressive, key-winding mystery clock, architecturally conceived as a miniature temple and decorated with lapis lazuli, rock crystal, yellow gold, silver gilt, nephrite (jade) and diamonds. Accompanied by a Cartier fitted box, a purchase invoice dated 31 Dec 1984, and a Cartier technical specification sheet detailing design 7949.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view Click to full view
Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

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

Very good

Brand Cartier

Model Mystery Clock

Reference 7949

Year sold on 31 Dec 1984

Case No. 229453

Caliber Manual

Dimensions 28.5cm x 10cm x 38.5cm., signed ‘Cartier’ near the winding mechanism

Signature case and movement

Accessories Cartier fitted box, purchase invoice dated 31 Dec 1984, Cartier technical specification sheet detailing design 7949, photo, key

Notes

This magnificent and exceptionally rare high-jewelry «Mystery clock» revives the maison’s iconic Art Deco mystery clock tradition (originally pioneered in the 1910s–1920s by master clockmaker Maurice Coüet) in a sumptuous late20th-century interpretation.

The clock is architecturally conceived as a miniature temple: two majestic columns of rich blue lapis lazuli and rock crystal rise from a stepped lapis lazuli base, supporting a horizontal lapis lazuli and gold plated silver crossbar at the top. Centered on this crossbar is a finely carved pyramid-shaped finial in vibrant green nephrite jade, precisely faceted and polished to showcase its rich emerald hue and natural veining.

Suspended between the columns hangs an octagonal rock crystal mystery dial, framed by a lapis lazuli and jade bezel set with diamond Roman numerals. The hands — featuring an elaborate diamond-pavé key motif — appear to float freely with no visible mechanical connection, thanks to Cartier’s ingenious hidden mechanism of rotating sapphire crystal discs driven by concealed gears in the frame and base.

Materials & Details
• Lapis lazuli columns, base and top crossbar
• Rock crystal columns • Faceted rock crystal dial
• 18K yellow gold mounts and accents
• 274 diamonds (approx. 11.60 carats total) pavé-set on numerals and hands
• Green nephrite (jade) square cabochons and pyramid finial on the top crossbar
• Hand-finished gold and diamond details throughout

The piece is accompanied by its original Cartier fitted box, Cartier New York sales invoice (dated December 1984), the official technical specification sheet detailing design 7949, materials, weight (80 grams of gold, 274 diamonds, 1800 grams of silver etc.), and production notes (8–10 month delivery time).

This clock is a true object d’art — a perfect synthesis of horological illusion, Art Deco elegance, and haute joaillerie craftsmanship. Only a handful of these elaborate Portico mystery clocks were produced in this period, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Cartier clocks of the late 20th century.