Cartier

• jeweled manual winding lever movement housed within upper architrave • dodecagonal rock crystal mystery dial, yellow gold and diamond set hands, framed within a silver gilt and nephrite chapter ring, outer lapis lazuli chapter ring with applied yellow gold and diamond set radial Roman numerals, and outermost rock crystal ring, suspended from the top with decorative silver gilt, nephrite and rock crystal post and lintel • clock suspended between two rock crystal columns enhanced by lapis lazuli, silver gilt, yellow gold, diamond, and nephrite set accents, each surmounted by silver gilt, lapis lazuli and nephrite, the upper plinth centered by a hinged nephrite and silver gilt lid to reveal the key winding and setting mechanisms, all surmounted upon a quadrangular rock crystal and lapis lazuli base with stepped silver gilt trim • case and movement signed and numbered • with a winding key

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, 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. Right rock crystal column and components are slightly loose, especially at the yellow gold, diamond set areas. The left column's square lapis lazuli base is loose. Heavy oxidation throughout silver gilt and yellow gold areas. Rock crystal is somewhat smokey and with visible inclusions. Rock crystal outer chapter ring is misaligned at 6. Silver gilt hallmarks to the back side of the base and to the lid revealing the movement. Case and movement signed and numbered no. 229 453.
"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 facsimiles of one Cartier invoice dated December 31, 1984, and Cartier Lapis Mystery Clock descriptive sale documents. Also with a photographic illustration of the timepiece marked with the design reference no. 7949 and one Polaroid depicting the same illustration. Together with a Cartier presentation box. 

The total diamond weight is approximately 11.60 cts.

The Cartier "Pendule Mystérieuses" or "Mystery Clock" has captured the imagination of Cartier collectors for decades. Inspired by the work of the 1850s French magician and clockmaker, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Maurice Couet devised the first Mystery Clock in 1913 which was named "Pendules Mysterieuses Model A."

This mechanically and aesthetically remarkable design was the basis for some of Cartier's most impressive clocks of the 1920s and beyond. The time appears to float magically in the air, indicated by two rotating crystal disks that suspend the hour hand and minute hand in a captivating dance. From the perspective of the viewer, the clock operates without mechanical means, hence its description as a Mystery clock.

Revitalized in the 1980s, Cartier produced a series of exquisite mystery timepieces with luxurious and fine materials such as the present lot, accentuated by lapus lazuli, nephrite, and diamonds.