CARTIER | LE TEMPLE CHINOIS AU DRAGON A UNIQUE AND MAGNIFICENT YELLOW GOLD, PLATINUM, SILVER, DIAMOND, EMERALD, ENAMEL, ONYX, JADE, MALACHITE, ROCK CRYSTAL, JASPER, OBSIDIAN, SODALITE, MOSS-AGATE, CORAL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND CITRINE-SET ELECTRIC-POWERED AUTOMATA MYSTERY CLOCK, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET, MANUFACTURED IN 1989

Dial: faceted citrine weighing 2700 carats and diamond-set indexes, diamond-set chinoiserie-pattern hands, supported on a spray of gold lotus leavesCalibre: quartzCase: 18k yellow gold, platinum, silver, diamond, emerald, enamel, onyx, jade, malachite, rock crystal, jasper, obsidian, sodalite, moss-agate, coral and mother-of-pearlCase number: GE2001-80 Size: 420 mm length x 275 mm width x 380 mm heightSigned: case signed and numberedAccessories: Cartier Certificate of Authenticity confirming production of the present clock in 1989 and fitted presentation box

The present clock is prominently illustrated and described on 2 full colour pages in Le  Temps de Cartier by J. Barracca, G. Negretti and F. Nencini, pages 320 and 321.

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The electronic mechanism is performing well when the Auspicious animal is operated. The clock has been retained in excellent, close to new condition and has been faithfully serviced by the owners at Cartier every 3 years consistently since purchasing the clock. The clock retains its original fitted box and Cartier certificate and is exceptionally executed and is the results of 6,000 hours of work by the curators at Cartier. The clock is so magnificent that it is published in various books. The detailed is quite extraordinary when looking at the gold tree that is purposely shaded with areas of dark to make it appear real. The dragons at each corner are crafted with exceptionally outstanding detail. The gold framework surrounding the centre podium is also exquisitely crafted with diamond-set fencing and diamond-set finials at the top. Overall this is an exceptional clock that is so unique it dazzles with perfection. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Cartier, founded in 1847, is world renowned for their magnificent clocks and objects made of the finest materials known to man. Their clientele range from royalties, celebrities to the elite. Cartier is responsible for some of the most fabulous boxes, decorative objects, card cases and jewellery that has ever been made. The mystery clock was first created at Cartier in 1912 by master clockmaker, Maurice Couet and was inspired by the famous magician Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin. The mystery clock, still celebrated today, is based on a clever optical illusion, whereby the hands appear to be magically floating when indicating the time. The hands appear to have no connection to the movement that is situated to the base of the timepiece. This ingenious creation is achieved by each hand fixed on its own crystal disc, and the disc has a toothed metal rim, which is driven by gears concealed by the bezel and the frame of the case.

This timepiece celebrates Cartier, the mystery clock and the orient. At the turn of the 20th century, the Orient influences Cartier's design heavily and this influence is due to Louis Cartier, the grandson of the founder, who himself was a passionate collector of Chinese objects. Simulating a pagoda with an aventurine roof, the 19th century malachite Auspicious animal once activated, will open the temple door and as the mystery clock moves from inside the pagoda to outside the temple doors, a light illuminates the time as displayed on the citrine dial. A second touch of the Auspicious animal results in the clock retreating back inside the pagoda, the doors closing and the lights being switched off.

This exceptional mystery timepiece is a result of 6,000 hours of work. Made up of 2,476 diamonds weighing 61 carats, 55 emeralds weighing 25 carats, over 200 coral beads, un-cut mother-of-pearl, 6.9 kilograms of gold, 5 kilograms of silver, 74 grams of platinum, 8 kilograms of moss-agate, 8 kilograms of obsidian, 1 kilogram of rock crystal, solidate, jasper, onyx and 2,700 carat of citrine.

This magnificent clock has been retained in close to new condition, serviced at Cartier once every three years since being made, retains its original fitted box and Cartier Certificate of Origin. Sotheby’s is delighted to present a clock of this magnitude to the market.