Art Deco Clocks

In 1847, Louis-Francois Cartier started the Cartier jewellery company but it is his grandsons Pierre, Louis and Jacques, that are known for making the name of Cartier synonymous with prestige, luxury and elegance. Although famous for jewellery, the Cartier Company where also watchmakers and Louis Cartier created a wonderful Art Deco clock that still mystifies clock makers today. It is known as the "mystery clock." It is named the mystery clock because even though the dial is transparent, the workings of the clock are unseen. The clock is typically created out of rock crystal which, when processed, is almost completely see through, yet the handcrafted workings are nowhere to be seen.

This fascinating clock face is usually surrounded by a richly polished frame of black or white enamel with the bases created out of exotic materials such as agate or jade. The hands are often inset with jewels and gems, especially diamonds. These mysterious and dramatic Art Deco clocks were first available around 1913 and were manufactured by Cartier until the beginning of World War II, when the war effort needed the precious materials that were used to make these clocks.

When the clocks were first sold in the latter part of the 1920's, they were of course extremely expensive and originally sold for as much as £1500. Today, however, these same mysterious Art Deco clocks sell for millions of pounds. Many of these collectable clocks are priceless and Cartier has bought back some of their clocks to keep as part of their collection.

There are many more affordable antique clocks and, in particular, Art Deco clocks available for sale here which are equally beautiful and collectable.