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Lot Essay
The "Pendules Mystérieuses" or Mystery Clocks were the result of the collaboration of Louis Cartier and the technical skill of Maurice Couët. The clocks were developed from the study of those created by the French magician and clockmaker, Robert-Houdin (1805-1871).
The creation of the Mystery Clock astonished the industry by exploiting the use of illusion. First designed as the "Modèle A" in 1913, the hands appear to "float" across the face, with no apparent anchor. In reality, they are held in place by transparent discs, usually of rock crystal, citrine or in one instance, aquamarine, and driven by gears that are ingeniously hidden in the frame of the case.
Captivated by the research of 16th, 17th and early 19th century technicians, Couët's workshop produced several variations of the original Mystery clock, each produced over the course of one year and passing through the hands of no less than seven or eight specialists: the watchmaker, designer, enameler, lapidary, setter, engraver and polisher.
Mystery Clocks were produced again after World War II and continued until 1970 in a style reflecting the influence of the 1950's; "Pendules Mystérieuses" produced since 1977 reflect either a 1920's flare or are very contemporary in design. The current example is based on the early 20th century Screen mystery clocks.
Cf. H. Nadelhoffer, Jewelers Extraordinary, Thames and Hudson, 1984, pp. 250-254
Cf. F. Chaille, F. Cologni, The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, 2006, pp. 196-221
The creation of the Mystery Clock astonished the industry by exploiting the use of illusion. First designed as the "Modèle A" in 1913, the hands appear to "float" across the face, with no apparent anchor. In reality, they are held in place by transparent discs, usually of rock crystal, citrine or in one instance, aquamarine, and driven by gears that are ingeniously hidden in the frame of the case.
Captivated by the research of 16th, 17th and early 19th century technicians, Couët's workshop produced several variations of the original Mystery clock, each produced over the course of one year and passing through the hands of no less than seven or eight specialists: the watchmaker, designer, enameler, lapidary, setter, engraver and polisher.
Mystery Clocks were produced again after World War II and continued until 1970 in a style reflecting the influence of the 1950's; "Pendules Mystérieuses" produced since 1977 reflect either a 1920's flare or are very contemporary in design. The current example is based on the early 20th century Screen mystery clocks.
Cf. H. Nadelhoffer, Jewelers Extraordinary, Thames and Hudson, 1984, pp. 250-254
Cf. F. Chaille, F. Cologni, The Cartier Collection - Timepieces, Editions Flammarion, 2006, pp. 196-221