Cartier Modèle A Mystery Clock

Technical characteristics

Type

Mystery clock

Calibre

Manual key-wind, European Watch & Clock Co Inc, 15 jewels

Material

Rock crystal, mother-of-pearl, yellow gold and onyx

Dimensions

13.5cm in height x 8.5cm width X 5cm length

Signatures

Base signed Cartier Paris Londres New-York Made in France

Case Number

2818, stamped 0970, 1104

Place recorded

France

Maker / attribution

Cartier

Design

Visible features

• Rectangular transparent rock crystal body with canted corners and stepped top moulding • Circular mother-of-pearl chapter ring set with diamond-paved Roman numerals and 'FRANCE' marked near the base • Openwork diamond-set hands suspended in the transparent aperture • Rectangular black onyx plinth base bordered by beaded gold trim and gold feet • Internal framing accented by mother-of-pearl strips set with diamond studs and scrollwork motifs

Visual Composition and Materials

The clock is configured with an upright, rectangular transparent rock crystal body characterized by canted corners and a stepped top moulding. Its transparent centre displays openwork diamond-set hands suspended inside an optical aperture, framed by an internal structure trimmed with mother-of-pearl strips, diamond studs, and scrollwork accents. The dial features a circular mother-of-pearl chapter ring mounted with diamond-paved Roman numerals and marked 'FRANCE' near its base. The upper crystal structure is mounted atop a rectangular black onyx plinth base bordered by beaded gold trim and raised on small gold feet. According to auction documentation, the overall dimensions measure 13.5 cm in height, 8.5 cm in width, and 5 cm in length, executed in rock crystal, mother-of-pearl, yellow gold, and onyx.

Markings and Source Documentation

The base bears engraved signatures reading 'Cartier Paris Londres New-York Made in France' alongside serial number 2818 and a hand-stamped number 0970. The inner yellow gold base is signed 'European Watch & Clock Co. Inc France', the concealed movement carries European Watch & Clock Co Inc. branding, and an additional stamped number 1104 is recorded. The base is also reported to bear French eagle beak hallmarks and a diamond-shaped 'MC' maker's mark. Dating to circa 1929 is supported by the auctioneer's reference to archive documentation in 'The Cartier Collection: Timepiece', which records an original matching 1929 design drawing. The clock is noted to include an original presentation box and a numbered winding key matching the clock's stamped number, though neither accessory is depicted in the primary photograph.

Reported Movement and Mystery Axle Mechanism

While internal mechanical components are concealed from view inside the plinth, the cataloguing states the clock is powered by a manual key-wind European Watch & Clock Co Inc. 15-jewel, 8-day movement fitted with a Swiss lever escapement and a bimetallic balance. Hand-setting and winding apertures are located underneath the base. The illusion of free-floating hands relies on separate rotating transparent crystal discs. As described in the source, each disc is bordered by a toothed edge driven by axles and concealed driving pinions housed in the columns of the frame, rotating the hour and minute discs independently at different speeds.

Identification

Serial number

2818

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.