The Magical Art of Cartier
Geneva, Nov 19, 1996
LOT 438
"Pendule Mystérieuse de table", 18K yellow gold, eight day going horizontal drum shaped Mystery dock with dodecagonal dial Paris, 1959
CHF 100,000 - 120,000
USD 80,000 - 100,000
Sold: CHF 135,500
Engine-turned yellow gold case, the bezel applied with diamond-set Roman numerals and decorated with gold stylised lotus flower petals interspersed by diamond-set points, resting on three triangular feet; faceted rock crystal dial with "star and modern" diamond pavé hands. Specially shaped brass movement with going barrel, frosted and gilt platform with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Measuring approx. 24 cm. in diam. Accompanied by fitted leather box. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2438.
Notes
Most mystery docks produced by Cartier after World
War II were, more or less, inspired by the designs of the
Art Deco period. This dock however, is a rare example of
a design reflecting the style of the period in which it was
created, as evident by its unusual shape.