Cartier Pendule Mystérieuse à Prisme Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1950
Maker / issuer
CartierThis Cartier desk clock, identified as the 'Pendule Mystérieuse à Prisme', dates to approximately 1950. The timepiece is housed in a vertical, rectangular silver cabinet characterized by a polished 'godronné' or fluted décor.
The upper section of the clock contains two opposing rock crystal prisms, designed to reflect the dial and hands to the viewer, creating an optical illusion. The clock features a matte silver dial adorned with painted suspended Arabic numerals and radial indexes, complemented by gilded metal 'Bâton' hands. It utilizes a keyless-winding movement, which is adjusted through a crown located in a side recess. The base is secured by four screws.
The clock is accompanied by its original fitted box, referred to as 'La petite boîte rouge'. The object displays signatures on the case, dial, and movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Prismatic desk clock
- Maker
- Cartier
- Jewels
- 15
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- 83.3 x 59.8 x 58.7 mm
- Accessories
- Original fitted box
- Place recorded
- France
- Case decoration
- Godronné
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier
Design
- Visible features
- • Vertical rectangular case with fluted silver decoration • Dual rock crystal prisms in the upper viewing section • Keyless winding crown located in a side recess • Fitted with a red leather storage box
- Provenance and Markings
- The clock is fully signed across its primary components, including the case, the dial, and the movement. The case bears the number 02 164, while the movement is identified by number 104 922 M. The object is supplied with its original fitted case, known as 'La petite boîte rouge'. The dating of the piece is provided as circa 1950, aligning with the period during which Cartier utilized Jaeger-LeCoultre movements for these prism clock designs. An illegible master mark is present on the case, which the auction description suggests may be attributed to the workshop of Edmond Jaeger in Paris.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The Cartier desk clock features a vertical, rectangular silhouette fabricated in silver. The exterior is finished with a 'godronné' or fluted decorative motif. Access to the manual winding and hand-setting mechanism is provided by a crown recessed into the side of the case, while the base is firmly secured via four lateral screws. The dial is rendered in a matte silver finish, featuring painted Arabic numerals that appear suspended, paired with radial indexes. Visibility of the dial and the gilded metal 'Bâton' hands is facilitated by two opposing rock crystal prisms positioned in the upper housing. These prisms manipulate the light, creating an optical effect that requires the viewer to observe from specific angles.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The timepiece is powered by an eight-day going movement, identified as a 19’’’ rhodium-plated caliber. The movement operates with a straight-line lever escapement and includes a cut bimetallic balance with poising screws and a blued steel flat balance spring. Regulation is managed by a polished index-regulator. The movement is signed by Cartier and functions with 15 jewels. The technical architecture of the movement is based on the LeCoultre caliber 205 (or 19 LECBC).
Identification
- Serial number
- Case No. 02 164; Movement No. 104 922 M
- 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.
Research required
- Research required: Master mark on the case is illegible and identified only as likely by Edmond Jaeger
- Research required: Overhaul of the movement is recommended by the auction description
- Research required: Exact caliber identification varies between 205 and 19 LECBC