Cartier Coussin Bamboo Watch: Vintage Review

quattro · 2026-03-22T09:59:55Z

Explore the rare Cartier Coussin Bamboo ref. 78102 in yellow and white gold. Discover its unique design, historical significance, and collector appeal.

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the rarely seen Cartier Coussin Bamboo ref. 78102, a timepiece that embodies Cartier's adventurous design spirit. His post meticulously details the watch's historical context, rarity, and design nuances, inviting the community to explore its unique appeal. This deep dive offers invaluable insights for collectors interested in Cartier's more unconventional yet historically significant creations.

Among the “quirky design timepieces”, the Cartier Coussin Bamboo ref. 78102 isn't often seen.

Most examples are in yellow gold, but there are a few very rare examples in white gold.

According to Remi Guillemin in his Lot Essay for Christie's:

“The model was intended as a bold statement wristwatch for Cartier’s most à la mode clients. With a decidedly exotic Asian influence to its design, the model was available in four sizes, of which the present watch is the largest, known as the ‘Jumbo’. Collectors greatly prize the ‘Jumbo’ Bamboo not only for its impressive size and great looks but also as one of the rarest Cartier wristwatch models of the period. It is thought that as few as 250 pieces were made in total and it is certainly a rarer sight at auction than even the iconic ‘Crash’.

What do you think about this design? Does it appeal to you?

I have mixed feelings, in particular because the thickness of the 2-part case doesn't look very appealing to me.

Best, Emmanuel

YELLOW GOLD

Case: 28 x 36 mm - Manual winding caliber 78-1 or 2512

With a very rare Patek Philippe Ref. 1598 (I posted about it here)

credit: @watchmywrist5 (1-2), Roni Madhvani (3-4), Loupe This (5-6), Mr Watchley (7-9) & @timvaux (10)

WHITE GOLD

Same specs as yellow gold.

A white gold example was sold for no less than € 338.000 by Monaco Legend Auctions in October 2024.

credit: Roni Madhvani (1-2), Craft + Tailored & Monaco Legend Auctions

Key Points from the Discussion

The perceived thickness of the Cartier Coussin Bamboo's two-part case, a point of reservation for the author, might appear more slender in person compared to many contemporary watch cases.
The author acknowledges that his initial reservations about the watch's thickness could potentially dissipate upon experiencing the timepiece in real life, indicating an openness to the design's practical wearability.
The discussion highlights the subjective nature of watch aesthetics and wearability, particularly for unique vintage designs like the Coussin Bamboo, where online impressions may differ significantly from real-world experience.

The Discussion

Arronax

Mar 22, 2026

It reminds me of the Cheich which I really like.

quattro

Mar 22, 2026

“cultural appropriation” aspect... Just my reaction of course. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Mar 22, 2026

While i certainly see where you’re coming from with the case thickness comment it appears still to be relatively slender in comparison to most cases of today.

quattro

Mar 22, 2026

My reservations could very well vanish in real life! I’m glad you like it so much. Best, Emmanuel

jmousey

Mar 23, 2026

And at the prices these are commanding these days……..

Cartier Coussin Bamboo Watch: Vintage Review

Key Points from the Discussion

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