KMII shares his profound admiration for the Cartier CPCP Ref. 2396 Tortue Monopoussoir, a watch he describes as a long-standing 'grail.' His post, following a PuristSPro GTG in Zagreb, delves into the watch's delicate design, classical proportions, and the esteemed THA movement it houses. KMII's personal reflections and stunning photographs invite the community to appreciate this special Cartier reference.
Zagreb has been - typically for a PuristSPro GTG - a feast of horology. I guess there is no AD, dealer or brand boutique that can serve up as much horological diversity and as many delicacies as a regular GTG of Purists (here:
www.watchprosite.com
the last one).
And one of the watches that I have been platonically lusting after from the very beginning of my horological journey and that has definitely been on my grail list for some time is the Cartier Ref. 2396 Tortue Monopoussoir, which one of the fellow Purists graciously offered to bring along.
Reality most certainly did not disappoint - to be honest I would find it hard to define another modern chronograph that is so delicate, formal, classically sized and proportioned...
And this is only from the front. Moving further, it has a THA movement - a collaboration between FP Journe, Vianney Halter and Denis Flageollet (difficult to beat this) - a compact handwould monopusher chronograph movement with lots of appeal in spite of the small size available. I believe UN used it in some of its watches, too.
Finally, it simply has a wonderfully classical, understated look on the wrist. Not at all shouty or possessed of signalling properties for the uninitiated but a true eyecandy for the ones in the know.
It comes with only two downsides. First of all, the Purist in question was hardly amenable to letting it go. Not that i don't understand him. And secondly, upon showing my wife the pictures, she immediately claimed that it does not at all matter if it looks small on my wrist, because it's perfect for hers - I guess a fate not unknown to Tortue owners
I have to say I truly wish for Cartier to consider something like the CPCP line again - so many truly delectable pieces in it and I am sure there would be a customer base for a new range
Thanks to the owner for letting me play with it and to you for viewing!
