102
Cartier
Ref. CRHPC0009
Mysterieux, 150th Anniversary
An exquisite limited edition white gold mystery pocket watch with diamond-set lapis lazuli plaques
- Estimate
- $12,000 - 24,000
$55,880
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Cartier
- Year
- Circa 1997
- Reference No
- CRHPC0009
- Case No
- 699’080
- Model Name
- Mysterieux, 150th Anniversary
- Material
- 18K white gold, lapis lazuli, diamonds
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 9980 MC, 19 jewels
- Dimensions
- 46mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case signed.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Cartier certificate dated 1997, 2009 Cartier valuation report, and fitted presentation box.
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Part of Cartier’s 150th anniversary releases in 1997, the present “Mysterieux” pocket watch is a seldom-seen example of Cartier’s mastery of design. An exceptional miniature mystery clock enrobed in a white gold and lapis lazuli case, it is the only one that has ever appeared at public auction in this configuration.
Also in 1997, two different limited edition “Mysterieux” pocket watches were released, both with a delicate guilloché pattern, in limited editions of 150 pieces in yellow gold and white gold respectively.
Most interestingly, the movement was designed and constructed by none other than Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA) for Cartier, under the leadership of Indpendent masterminds Francois-Paul Journe, Denis Flagollet, and Vianney Halter. The lapis lazuli is decorated with a diamond-set illustration of the Big Dipper constellation, also known as the “Plough” for our neighbors across the pond. It is a subset of Ursa Major, and one of the most recognizable constellations. Poetically, the lapis background acts as the night sky while the aperture showing the mystery clock shows us that time is elusive.
Also in 1997, two different limited edition “Mysterieux” pocket watches were released, both with a delicate guilloché pattern, in limited editions of 150 pieces in yellow gold and white gold respectively.
Most interestingly, the movement was designed and constructed by none other than Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA) for Cartier, under the leadership of Indpendent masterminds Francois-Paul Journe, Denis Flagollet, and Vianney Halter. The lapis lazuli is decorated with a diamond-set illustration of the Big Dipper constellation, also known as the “Plough” for our neighbors across the pond. It is a subset of Ursa Major, and one of the most recognizable constellations. Poetically, the lapis background acts as the night sky while the aperture showing the mystery clock shows us that time is elusive.
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.
Browse Maker