Phillips Auction House to Feature Rare Cartier Portico Clock in Geneva, Valued Up to $3.9 Million

A distinguished Cartier Portico Mystery Clock, a masterpiece of horological artistry, is slated to be a highlight at Phillips' upcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV. This particular piece, estimated to fetch between $2.19 million and $3.9 million, is an exceptional example of craftsmanship, featuring hands adorned with diamonds that ingeniously form a dragon motif, giving the illusion of floating in space.

This remarkable timepiece, known as Portico Mystery Clock No. 4, is a significant historical artifact, making its return to the auction block after nearly three decades since its last sale in 1996. Among the mere six Portico clocks crafted by Cartier between 1923 and 1925, this specific model stands out as the sole variant boasting a six-sided dial, differentiating it from its twelve-sided counterparts. Its design, characterized by square columns, places it in a class with only one other sibling, No. 3, which previously commanded a price of approximately $4.7 million at a Phillips auction in May 2025.

The clock, standing at an impressive 38.5 centimeters (about 15 inches) and weighing 10.6 kilograms (about 23 pounds), showcases an intricate composition. A rock-crystal dial, delicately carved, is suspended between two crystal columns, both elegantly bordered with black enamel. A jade tree adorns its base, complementing the onyx and jade framework surrounding the dial. Diamond-encrusted numerals and a delicate ring of seed pearls further enhance its opulent facade. The hand-wound mechanism, a creation of the European Watch & Clock Co., is cleverly integrated into the arch above the dial, diverging from the more conventional placement within the base. This innovative design not only demonstrates mechanical ingenuity but also contributes to the clock's enigmatic allure.

The provenance of Portico No. 4 adds to its mystique and value. It was once part of the personal collection of Alain Cartier, a direct descendant of the esteemed Louis Cartier, and is also rumored to have been owned by the Maharajah of Nawanagar. Accompanied by a Cartier certificate from 2002, its last public appearance was at a Geneva auction in 1996. Eric Nussbaum, the inaugural director of the Cartier Collection, once hailed this particular clock as the largest, most expressive, and most art deco among its six relatives. Aurel Bacs, Phillips' senior consultant for watches, has also emphasized its unparalleled status, declaring it to be in a league of its own. The public will have the opportunity to view this extraordinary piece from November 4 to 7 before it goes under the hammer, with auction estimates excluding the buyer's premium.