The Magical Art of Cartier

Geneva, Nov 19, 1996

LOT 432

"Pendule Mystérieuse", 18K yellow gold, enamel and onyx, Art Deco eight day going Mystery dock with octagonal dial Paris for London, 1921

CHF 400,000 - 500,000

USD 320,000 - 400,000

Sold: CHF 575,500

Designed as a monstrance gold and enamel case supported by a short onyx tapered column set with four turquoise cabochons on a rectangular onyx base with a stylised Chinese black enamelled gold stand; the faceted rock crystal dial with rose-cut diamond-set bands is framed within the gold octagonal bezel with white and black champlevé enamelled Roman chapters over a black and turquoise blue ground, the band with black champlevé enamelled decoration. Rectangular brass movement with going barrel, frosted and gilt platform with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Measuring approx. 14 cm. high. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2432.


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Notes

This dock exemplifies the second type of mystery dock created by Cartier from 1920 to 1931. They were produced in about 20 variations, each one different and therefore unique. Literature: A similar dock is illustrated in Le Temps de Cartier, by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, page 100.