111st Auction
2024/11/16
Lot 382
CartierMystérieuse Prisme
An extremely rare, diamond-set "Pendule Mystérieuse Prisme Clock"
Sold
estimated
2.500—4.000 €
Price realized
9.000 €
specific features
Case
Silver, lapis lazuli, diamonds, crysta.
Dial
Gilt.
Movement
,
Case no.226412
Cal.Quartz
Diam.100 x 60 x 56 mm
Circa1980
Ctry.Switzerland
The dial features mirror-inverted Roman numerals; it is reflected through a set of crystal prisms and only visible at certain angles. If looked at from the back, the clock appears empty. The sterling silver case is decorated with lapis lazuli panels and is set with 44 diamonds.
The design is by Gaston Cusin and was patented in 1937. It is inspired by a submarine periscope. Cusin worked with famous artist Maurice Coüet, who designed the most remarkable and mysterious timepieces for Cartier, with the "Modèle A" among them.