Cartier

• square manual winding jeweled nickel lever movement with eccentric layout to accomodate dial aperture, glucydur balance • eccentric Mystery dial composed of rotating crystal disks, blued steel Breguet hands • chamfered case, chapter ring with black engraved Roman numerals surrounding the dial • case and movement signed

The movement is running, however it might need to be serviced soon. It is numbered 81003S. The crystal appears to be in nice condition. The case shows only minor surface scuffs and is stamped 709022. Overall it is in very nice condition. Accompanied by a gray suede Cartier box. Please note that the correct circa date for the watch should be 1990, as Cartier produced a second limited series of mystery watches in the 1990s.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

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 1920s 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.

The present example belongs to a limited series of Mystery watches Cartier created first in the 1970s, and then a second limited series in the 1990s. These examples are rare within the genre, as this special movement was generally limited to usage in clocks. Other than these limited production pieces, the only other examples of Mystery pocket watches were created in the 1930s.

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.