931Σ︎
Cartier
“Brûlé Parfum Jade de Nankin”
A unique, exceptionally rare, impressive and museum quality rock crystal, jadeite, red jasper, obsidian, agate, yellow gold and diamond-set mystery clock
Full-Cataloguing
- The state of preservation is impressive
- Jadeite perfume burner with chimera motif
- Kept in a private collection for almost three decades
- Unlikely to appear on the market again for many years to come
Cartier's mystery clocks are nothing short of mesmerizing—among the most extraordinary feats in horological craftsmanship. First introduced in the early 20th century, they are renowned for their seemingly magical design: hands that appear to float and move without any visible connection to the mechanism. The ingenious "mystery" lies in hidden transparent disks or rotating panels that discreetly conceal the inner workings, creating the illusion that time is being measured by sheer enchantment alone.
The movement construction traces its origins to the 1830s and the work of French clockmaker and illusionist Jean‑Eugène Robert‑Houdin, a pioneer of modern illusionism who inspired subsequent generations of watchmakers and magicians alike. Among them was Maurice Coüet, who came from a long lineage of watchmakers—his father and grandfather had worked for Breguet—and later established his own business in Paris, where he created table clocks exclusively for Cartier.
Each mystery clock was made by hand, lavishly adorned with an extraordinary array of materials, from nephrite and jasper to diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Always expensive and never intended for mass consumption, each example is effectively unique. The designs were conceived by Charles Jacques or Georges Remy. While examples from the 1920s tended toward the fantastical, often incorporating chinoiserie or Egyptian themes, those from the 1950s onward became more sculptural, exploring new forms and shapes.
The present mystery clock, crafted circa 1983, is an imposing and stunning example. Its octagonal dial is carved from rock crystal, set within a silver‑gilt and red jasper surround and accented with seven applied diamond‑set gold indexes. The entire dial is framed in obsidian, with the bezel mounted on a yellow gold and diamond‑set base. The yellow gold hands are set with diamonds. Supporting the dial is a carved jadeite perfume burner inspired by ancient Chinese bronzeware from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, both sides feature a chimera motif. It rests on a yellow gold base adorned with three diamond-set yellow gold indexes.
Furthermore, the clock stands upon a rectangular obsidian platform mounted on a faceted, veneered agate base, raised on four yellow gold feet—the two front feet set with diamonds. The back feet are engraved with ‘Cartier’ on one side and case number on the other. A custom‑built fitted travelling case accompanies the clock.
Having first appeared on the market nearly three decades ago, this historically significant clock will likely remain hidden and cherished for many years to come. Its public sale at auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire an intricate and beautiful piece of horological treasure.
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.