Cartier, Paris

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. Coüet came from a long lineage of watchmakers, whose father and grandfather worked for Breguet. He later moved to Paris to set up his own business, and exclusively created table clocks for Cartier.

From 1919 to 1936, the atelier created some of the world's most captivating clocks, none more desirable than those with mystery complications. The period marked a heightened interest in exotic motifs from the East, and Cartier married this Asian influence effortlessly with the West's strong Art Deco style. Indeed, when Cartier participated in the 1929 Paris Exhibition, such pieces promised 'the incarnation of an impalpable dream of the Orient.' (Barracca et al. pp. 81-2, 180.)

The present lot is a remarkable example of innovative design inspired by the East. A strong octagonal profile is heightened by a beautiful and substantial faceted rock crystal backing. Delicately carved coral accents were often seen in those pieces inspired by India, Southeast Asia and China.

For similar pieces, please see:

Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, Milan, 2007, pg. 281 for a sketch of a similar 'Mystery Clock'.

Franco Cologni, Eric Nussbaum, Cartier: L'Arte del Platino, Milan, 1995, pg. 173 for a similar 'Mystery Clock'.

Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti, Franco Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Milan, 1989, pg. 100 for an illustration of this clock and pg. 103 for a sketch of a similar 'Mystery Clock'.