Continuing with their mysterious hours’ concept, Cartier continues to explore mysterious complications to play with illusion and the perception of time and the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse is the result of that. Mystery clocks make up their own chapter in Cartier’s history because their hands appear to float over the transparent body of the clock, with no connection to the movement. The first Cartier mystery clocks were introduced in 1912. The principle is based on an ingenious concept: the hands are not directly linked to the movement but are attached to two crystal discs fitted with serrated metal edges. Activated by the movement, which is usually housed in the clock’s base, these discs then turn the hands, one for the minutes hand and the other for the hours hand. So that the illusion is perfect, the edges of the discs are concealed by the hour circle.

But this time Cartier has gone above and beyond to create a special movement that took 8 years to develop to make things even more impressive. The Cartier Masse Mystérieuse is a spectacular watch that turns to the rhythm of an original movement. The magic of a mobile calibre condensed into a semi-circle, transformed into a skeletonized oscillating weight.

Things to Know About the Watch

The Cartier Masse Mystérieuse watch brings together two of the Maison’s watchmaking signatures: the mysterious movement and the skeleton. Everything, right down to the technology, is infused with design and aesthetics. Since the mystery clocks first appeared in the 1910s, the movement has not only been miniaturized to fit watch cases but, for this new creation, it has also been reimagined to make the oscillating weight a real ornament. Cased in a generous 43.5 mm case in platinum with a crown set with a ruby cabochon, the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse is available in a limited edition of only 30 pieces and delivered on a semi-matte dark grey and a black alligator straps. A second version in platinum set with baguette-cut diamonds, as well as a third version set with baguette-cut diamonds and a platinum bracelet set with baguette-cut diamonds are also available.

The Movement

The result of nearly eight years of work at the Cartier Manufacture, where it was designed, developed and assembled, this movement has now been filed for a patent. It took five different constructions before a prototype could be launched, with two further prototypes needed to develop the final version of the calibre. The new calibre 9801 MC ensures the effects of gravity do not affect the chronometer. On the Masse Mystérieuse watch, the hands float in the space of the case, without being connected to any gears.

All components that receive energy from the movement, transmission, and regulation are integrated into the rotor. The rotor itself is skeletonized to make this moving spectacle visible. In the center, an ultra-sophisticated differential system —borrowed from the automotive industry— has been integrated into the movement to prevent the time display from being caught in the mass. A technical feat that comes to life at the slightest touch of the wearer and seamlessly displays the time to the rhythm of the hands in the void.

On this piece, the most technical and complex piece ever developed by the Manufacture’s watchmakers, the mysterious rotor uses an innovative principle that ensures the balance wheel always remains in the same vertical position. For this to happen, the rotor rotates in both directions at an irregular speed to provide a power reserve of 42 hours.

On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse wears true to its size and with the most impressive wrist presence. A true horological spectacle on both the front and back of the watch that will for sure spark a conversation with anyone regardless of their knowledge or lack thereof about watches. One of the most impressive mysterious hours watches ever presented by Cartier and a huge favorite among their new releases. The Cartier Masse Mystérieuse is available in a limited edition of only 30 pieces. A second version in platinum set with baguette-cut diamonds, as well as a third version set with baguette-cut diamonds and a platinum bracelet set with baguette-cut diamonds are also available in a 10-piece limited edition each.

Sticker Price €250,000 Euro —approximately $266,000 USD—, €565,000 Euro —approximately $600K USD— for Baguette-Set, and €1,200,000 Euro —approximately $1.2 Million USD— for baguette-set with a platinum bracelet. For more info on Cartier click here.