Details
IMPORTANT ART DECO ROCK CRYSTAL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND BLACK ONYX MYSTERY CLOCK
The shaped rectangular faceted rock crystal case with mother-of pearl frame and chapter ring with interior rose-cut diamond border, gold Roman chapters and rose-cut diamond hands, on a rectangular black onyx plinth with yellow gold bead surround, movement by European Watch and Clock Company, No. 3489, 980, with original wind key--3½ x 5½ x 2 in. (8.9 x 14.0 x 5.1 cm), circa 1925
Signed by Cartier, No. 2055
For similar clocks see
"Important Jewels", Christie's New York, October 14, 1980, Lot 192
"Retrospective Louis Cartier", New York, Exhibit No. 99
Literature
"Cartier, Jewelers Extraordinary", Hans Nadelhoffer, New York, 1982, p.251-2
The shaped rectangular faceted rock crystal case with mother-of pearl frame and chapter ring with interior rose-cut diamond border, gold Roman chapters and rose-cut diamond hands, on a rectangular black onyx plinth with yellow gold bead surround, movement by European Watch and Clock Company, No. 3489, 980, with original wind key--3½ x 5½ x 2 in. (8.9 x 14.0 x 5.1 cm), circa 1925
Signed by Cartier, No. 2055
For similar clocks see
"Important Jewels", Christie's New York, October 14, 1980, Lot 192
"Retrospective Louis Cartier", New York, Exhibit No. 99
Literature
"Cartier, Jewelers Extraordinary", Hans Nadelhoffer, New York, 1982, p.251-2
Further details
Inspired by the "pendules mysterieuses" of the earlier nineteenth century clockmakers, Maurice Coüet became known as maker for Cartier of the famous series of mystery clocks. Based on an optical illusion, with a "hidden" movement, the first of the series, the "Model A" was made in 1913 and sold to J.P. Morgan, a later one going to Queen Mary. The "Model A", of which a limited number were produced and of which the present clock is an example, works on a lateral double axle system, the case housing the movement, the hands seemingly floating.