From the sinuous sensuality of Belle Époque to the sleek geometry of Art Deco, Cartier clocks have long captured imaginations while encapsulating each era's essence. The 1920s and 30s marked a particularly creative apex for Cartier timepieces, as bold lines, novel materials and oriental influences transformed clocks into modernist treasures.

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, the great 19th century French clockmaker and illusionist who pioneered mystery clocks was a huge inspiration for Maurice Coüet, a descendant from generations of esteemed Parisian watchmakers. Coüet's collaborations with Cartier brought traditional skill to groundbreaking designs such as the “Comet” clocks.

This desk clock with a rock crystal surround and strut from circa 1925 exemplifies the masterful creations of Coüet. Within a circular dial, translucent pale blue enamel over guilloché-ground depicts radiating lines to further heighten the diamond-set hour and minute hands. The delicate white enamel chapter ring decorated with gold Roman numeral markers and floral motif (appearing often on Cartier timepieces throughout the 1920s) is adorned with blue sapphire diamonds surrounding the outside.

A century later, well-preserved and kept with its original fitted Cartier box, the rarity and beauty of this clock remain undimmed.