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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mystery clock

Cartier Art Deco 'Model A' Pendule Mystérieuse Mystery Clock

Partially verified

This circa 1928 Cartier 'Model A' pendule mystérieuse mystery clock features a transparent rock crystal case supported by an onyx plinth base with beaded gold trim. The dial incorporates mother-of-pearl chapter ring segments beneath gold Roman numerals, framed by an inner diamond-set circular bezel. The ornate diamond-set hands appear to float unattached within the central crystal disc. As source documentation reports, the manual-wind mechanism is hidden within the frame, driving the hands via rotating crystal discs. The case measures 93 mm by 54 mm by 138 mm.

Cartier Art Deco 'Model A' mystery clock in rock crystal and onyx
Cartier Art Deco 'Model A' mystery clock in rock crystal and onyx — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Clock · Mystery clock
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Model A
Catalogue / lot identifier
328
Source-reported date
circa 1928
Country
France
Source-reported serial
0760, 0782, 2345

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Identity and Composition

This Cartier 'Model A' mystery clock is constructed with a faceted, beveled rock crystal superstructure mounted upon a rectangular polished black onyx plinth base. The base features decorative beaded gold trim. The timepiece measures 93 mm by 54 mm by 138 mm.

The dial consists of a mother-of-pearl chapter ring segment featuring gold Roman numerals, complemented by an inner circular diamond-set bezel. A 'FRANCE' inscription is noted at the bottom of the chapter ring near the numeral VI.

Evidence for this section
  • “Faceted, beveled rock crystal superstructure enclosing a circular chapter ring.”
  • “Rectangular polished black onyx plinth base bordered by beaded gold trim.”
  • “Small 'FRANCE' inscription visible at the bottom of the chapter ring near VI.”
  • “CASE SIZE: 93mm x 54mm x 138mm”

Mechanism and Display

The clock utilizes a manual-wind movement concealed within the frame and base. The hands appear to float without a visible mechanical arbor.

The hands are mounted within two rotating transparent crystal discs featuring toothed metal rims, which are driven by gears hidden within the clock case.

Evidence for this section
  • “the mechanism of mystery clocks is hidden in the frame; the hands seem to float in space without any connection to the movement.”
  • “the hands are set into two rotating transparent crystal discs with toothed metal rims that are driven by gears which are ingeniously hidden in the clock case.”

Condition and Documentation

The item is dated to circa 1928 and includes a Cartier Certificate of Authenticity dated 23 May 2002. It is accompanied by a later fitted presentation box and a key numbered 2345.

Reported condition includes a small chip to the rock crystal case back above the 11 position, noted as not visible from the front, and traces of tarnishing on silver components. The gilt bottom plate displays discoloration consistent with age, and the mother-of-pearl dial parts are intact.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1928”
  • “PAPERS: Yes – Cartier Certificate of Authentitity dated 23 May 2002”
  • “BOX: Yes – later fitted box containing a key numbered 2345”
  • “The rock crystal with a small chip to the case back above 11, not visible from the front”
  • “Traces of tarnishing to the silver parts.”
  • “The gilt bottom plate is discoloured from age.”
  • “The mother-of-pearl parts of the dial are nice and intact.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the three distinct case numbers (0760, 0782, 2345) and how do they relate to the piece's history?
  • What are the specific materials comprising the silver components mentioned in the condition report?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Art Deco 'Model A' Pendule Mystérieuse Mystery Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Circa1928“CIRCA: 1928”
Case MaterialRock Crystal, Gold, Agate, Enamel, Diamonds“CASE MATERIAL: Rock Crystal, Gold, Agate, Enamel, Diamonds”
Case Size93mm x 54mm x 138mm“CASE SIZE: 93mm x 54mm x 138mm”
Case Numbers0760, 0782, 2345“CASE NOS. : 0760, 0782, 2345”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”

Visible details

  • Faceted, beveled rock crystal superstructure enclosing a circular chapter ring.
  • Mother-of-pearl dial ring overlay with gold Roman numerals and inner diamond-set circular bezel.
  • Ornate diamond-set hands centered on transparent crystal without visible mechanical arbor.
  • Rectangular polished black onyx plinth base bordered by beaded gold trim.
  • Small 'FRANCE' inscription visible at the bottom of the chapter ring near VI.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is concealed inside the case framing and base, not directly visible.
  • Christie's condition report notes a small chip to the rock crystal case back above 11 (not visible from front) and traces of silver tarnishing.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER, ART DECO ROCK CRYSTAL, GOLD, AGATE, ENAMEL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL, ONYX AND DIAMOND-SET 'MYSTERY CLOCK', PENDULE MYSTERIEUSE 'MODEL A', | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b730ad8e89

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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