Cartier
Travel Desk Clock Cartier Paris 'Mystery' Silver Plated Double Desk Clock 9118

Our Opinion

CARTIER DESK CLOCK ‘CARTIER PARIS MUSTERY’ SILVER PLATED DOUBLE DESK CLOCK
Offered here is a superb example of the rare ‘CARTIER PARIS MUSTERY’ SILVER PLATED DOUBLE DESK CLOCK.’ From the 1970s.
Cartier Clock History

“The origins of mystery clocks can be traced to 19th century France. Where horologist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin—considered by many as the father of modern magic—ordered a set of clockmaking books. Instead, he received a set on creating illusions called Scientific Amusements. The magic of mechanics instantly captivated him.
In his quest to invent creations that would aid in stage magic, Robert-Houdin experimented with glass, creating “invisible” actions or hidden mechanisms that truly seemed to work by enchantment alone. It was these pieces that were the inspiration for Cartier’s examples and in 1912, with the expertise of master clockmaker Maurice Coüet, the House’s career in mystery clocks began with the Model A.

As is to be expected, the clocks were sought-after gifts—Queen Mary was given a mystery clock in 1924 and, in 1945, General Charles de Gaulle presented one to Joseph Stalin. “One of my personal favourites is thought to have been a present for the 1930 marriage of Loelia Lindsay, a British peeress and magazine editor, to Hugh Grosvenor, the second Duke of Westminster,” Cisamolo says. The wedding was a social affair, with Winston Churchill present as best man. “A mystery clock of this standing would have been a typical gift in aristocratic circles at the time.”

This Cartier clock case retains its factory finish-defined edges beautifully. The overall condition of this vintage Cartier ‘Mystery Desk Clock’ is excellent.

This beautiful Cartier desk clock is accompanied by Xupes presentation boxes.