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.