A spellbinding chapter in Cartier’s history is set to unfold at upcoming auctions in Geneva and Hong Kong. Phillips is preparing to offer nine exceptional Cartier clocks, including four of the legendary Mystery Clocks—pieces that defy logic with their floating hands and hidden mechanics. These rare timepieces aren’t just functional; they are feats of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic imagination.
Where Time and Illusion Meet
The origins of Cartier’s Mystery Clock trace back to the early 20th century, when Louis Cartier sought to elevate the maison’s horological artistry. To do so, he brought on a gifted young clockmaker named Maurice Coüet. Drawing inspiration from Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin—a 19th-century magician and horologist often considered the father of modern magic—Coüet set out to create a clock that seemed to defy the very laws of physics.
In 1912, the first Mystery Clock made its debut. At a glance, it appeared to perform a miracle: its diamond-tipped hands floated within a transparent dial, entirely disconnected from any visible mechanism. In truth, the illusion was achieved through a pair of crystal discs linked to a hidden gear system embedded within the base. This ingenious setup remains a testament to both mechanical prowess and visual storytelling.
A Rare Glimpse Into Private Treasures
Now, over a century later, four such clocks—all from a single private collection—will be offered to the public for the first time in decades. The lineup includes the illustrious Portico Mystery Clock No. 3, a dazzling creation in rose quartz, enamel, rock crystal, and onyx, complete with a Chinese temple-style frame and a dragon motif rendered in diamonds. Estimated to fetch over $2 million, it is one of just six Portico models known to exist and hasn’t been publicly seen in more than 30 years.
Art Deco and Eastern Elegance
Cartier’s fascination with Asian art and design is also on display in the collection. One standout piece heading to Hong Kong features a coral carving of a dragon and a Bixie—a mythical creature symbolizing strength and protection—set against a mother-of-pearl dial with black enamel clouds. Its dragon-wing-shaped diamond hands enhance the illusion, adding to the magic of the timepiece. This clock is expected to start bidding between $256,000 and $513,000.
Other highlights include a desk clock in red amber with a jadeite dial and rose-cut diamond hands, and a 1925 Art Deco model in rock crystal and onyx, showcasing the era’s signature geometry and symmetry.
Beyond the Mystery
Complementing the Mystery Clocks from Phillips are five additional Cartier creations, equally rare and brimming with character. Among them is a miniature prism clock housed in its original box and a pink marble table clock topped with a carved agate elephant, complete with a built-in barometer and thermometer, charming examples of Cartier’s whimsy and technical versatility.
For collectors and connoisseurs alike, this auction marks a significant event. As Aurel Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, puts it: “These are not just clocks — they are historical artefacts and museum-worthy expressions of genius.” He adds that seeing so many important Cartier clocks assembled in one place is a near-unprecedented occasion in the modern era.
Auction Dates to Note
The Geneva auction took place from May 10–11, while the Hong Kong sale is set for May 23–25, 2025. For those passionate about haute horology, this is not merely an auction—it’s an opportunity to own a piece of Cartier’s magical legacy.
Featured image: Phillips Auction
Sewelo is a world where jewelry, watches, and objects come alive in a shimmering dance of fantasy. Through a literary lens, we celebrate the beauty and elegance that make these treasures more than just possessions.
