Cartier

• eight-day movement signed Geneva Clock Co. with platform lever escapement, 7 jewels, the center arbor carrying a circular magnet • mounted within a circular marble base • supporting a sterling silver dish signed Cartier engraved with hours and minutes around its perimeter, when filled with liquid a later turtle with concealed iron implant floats and indicates the time, the time set by an arbor concealed at the side • dial, marble base, and brass movement enclosure numbered 12556, dial further numbered with Cartier reference number 1537, case enclosure further stamped European Watch & Clock Co., Swiss

Movement running but oil dry and requires cleaning, gilt on silver dial worn off, movement signed Geneva Clock Co., listed in Pritchard (G-17) as active in the 1920s, as specializing in eight-day lever 'table watches' and repeaters, outer box in excellent condition with original keys, a fantastically rare timepiece for a discerning collector.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by original Cartier leather traveling case with concealed winding and setting keys.

Cartier turtle mystery timepieces are among the rarest of all Cartier mystery clocks and are coveted for their novelty and quality. The timepiece design is extraordinary in that it uses liquid to create the illusion of the turtle mysteriously indicating the correct time. Imagine the turtle floating in emerald or sapphire colored water or oil (to avoid evaporation) in a shallow silver bowl. The floating turtle effortlessly moves in the liquid pointing to the correct time without being connected in any visible way to the movement.

According to our research, this presently offered timepiece has never before appeared at auction and it marks the first time a Cartier turtle mystery timepiece has appeared at auction with its original outer case. 

For similar examples of this timepiece, see Barracca, J., Negretti, G., and Nencini, F. Le Temps de Cartier, p. 169 and the Art of Cartier, Musée de Petit Palais catalogue, p. 151.