Cartier

French Clockmaker and illusionist Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, descendant of Prosper Robert – a respected watchmaker in France, created mystery clocks in the 1830s.  As a pioneer of modern illusionism, he paved the way for other watchmakers and illusionists, such as Maurice Coüet. 

Maurice Coüet came from a long lineage of watchmakers.  He learned from both his father and grandfather – both watchmakers for Breguet – and later move to Paris to set up his own business that would exclusively create table clocks for Cartier.

Cartier 'Comet' clocks were manufactured between 1912 and 1920. Within a circular dial, translucent blue enamel over guilloché-ground depicts radiating lines to further heighten the diamond-set comet-form hour marker. A diamond-set minute marker is attached to a rotating plate under the bezel. 

The present comet clock is in superb condition and complete with it's original fitted Cartier box. 

Similar examples are illustrated in Nadelhoffer, H., Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary, pl. 55, and Barracca, J., Negretti, G., and Nencini, F., Le Temps de Cartier, pp. 62, and 108.