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Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
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Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table

  • This Gübelin turtle mystery table clock is exceptional rare, with only a few known to exist
  • The clock is comprised from a silvered dish with a floating turtle to tell time on a mahogany base
  • The clock was ordered in 1926 by Frederick G. Gruen, one of America’s most esteemed watchmakers
  • The Art Deco clock represents a union between two legendary houses, Gübelin and the Gruen Watch Company
  • Get complete item description here
$88,500
Item No. 32-0651

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Description
Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Gübelin
Crafted 1926

A marvel of horological ingenuity, this rare Gübelin turtle mystery table clock is one of only several known to exist. Commissioned in 1926 by Frederick G. Gruen, one of America’s most esteemed watchmakers, this extraordinary timepiece represents a union between two legendary houses: Gübelin and the Gruen Watch Company.

Resting upon a mahogany base topped with striking black and gold marble, the clock’s silvered dish, marked. . .
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Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Gübelin
Crafted 1926

A marvel of horological ingenuity, this rare Gübelin turtle mystery table clock is one of only several known to exist. Commissioned in 1926 by Frederick G. Gruen, one of America’s most esteemed watchmakers, this extraordinary timepiece represents a union between two legendary houses: Gübelin and the Gruen Watch Company.

Resting upon a mahogany base topped with striking black and gold marble, the clock’s silvered dish, marked with Roman numerals, conceals an ingenious secret. When filled with water, a turtle seemingly defies logic, gliding effortlessly in a perfect 12-hour circle while accurately indicating the time. This mesmerizing effect is powered by a concealed eight-day winding movement and a magnet, making it one of the most fascinating mystery clocks ever created.

Accompanied by its original 1926 letter from Gübelin to Gruen—bearing Gruen’s handwritten instruction for its installation in his office—the clock also retains its spare Gübelin turtle in its original box. Displayed prominently in Gruen’s office at the Gruen Watch Company’s Time Hill headquarters, this extraordinary timepiece remained a treasured family heirloom for nearly a century.

29" high x 16" diameter

Provenance:
Collection of Frederick G. Gruen, Ohio
By decent from above, the Gruen family
Private Collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
Maker: Gübelin
Period: 20th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Mystery
Depth: 16.0 in. (40.64 cm)
Width: 16.0 in. (40.64 cm)
Height: 29.0 in. (73.66 cm)
Gübelin Turtle Mystery Clock Table
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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