Cartier

• cal. 81003S square manual winding nickel lever movement with canted corners, glucydur balance • eccentric mystery dial composed of rotating crystal discs, blued steel Breguet hands • 18k pink gold case, chapter ring with painted black radial Roman numerals and inner minute track surrounding dial, snap on case back • case, movement, and chain signed, chain numbered • with an 18k pink gold Cartier chain

The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall very good condition with light wear, surface markings, and scuffing consistent with age and use. Very light wear and markings throughout, with some more defined markings near I,II, and X. Some heavier scuffing to the back. Case back signed Cartier and numbered "698997." With an 18k pink gold Cartier chain signed and numbered 698024 Dial in excellent condition. Movement working properly and in good condition.
"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."

Accompanied by a Cartier presentation box.

The present example belongs to the beautiful and fascinating genre of Cartier works known as 'Mystery' timepieces. The first Cartier Mystery clock was created in 1913, the work of the brilliant Maurice Coüet. This mechanically and aesthetically remarkable design was the basis for some of Cartier's most impressive clocks of the 1920's and beyond.

The design of the present model is very unusual, as the movement and gearwork are located around the periphery of the transparent dial, rather than directly behind it. The time is indicated by two rotating crystal disks on which the hour hand and minute hand are located. The overall effect on the viewer is that the watch operates without mechanical means, hence its description as a Mystery watch.

For an example of earlier Mystery pocket watches by which the present example was inspired, see Barracca, J., Negretti, G., and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, p. 196, and Nadelhoffer, H., Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary, pl. 61.