Collection
Nicolas (amanico) shares his enduring admiration for the Cartier Tortue Monopusher Chronograph in white gold, a watch that captivated him over a decade ago. His post highlights its elegant proportions, alluring dial, and the intriguing movement, sparking a discussion about this often-understated fine chronograph.
The Tortue Monopusher Chronograph certainly was the first Cartier I fell in love with.
I well remember where I saw it for the very first time. It was in the Paris Boutique, Rue de la Paix and it was a bit more than 10 years ago.
I never forgot it. From time to time, I fall on one, just to feed the souvenir.
Here is one, in white gold, I saw yesterday. The proportions are very good, and will fit most of the wrists ( 43 x 34 mm ) and the height is reasonable ( 10 mm ).
The dial is very alluring, even if I prefer the arab number version, to tell the truth.
And the movement is very nice looking. I think ( correct me if I am wrong ) that it is part of these movements made by THA for some brands like Ulysse Nardin, at the end of the 90ies, early 2000's.
Presence, elegance, difference... When we discuss fine chronographs, we rarely mention it. That is not fair.
Here are some pictures which will help us to discuss this Watch.
I loved the decoration of the movement, which is a detail I forgot in my souvenirs.
I less like the folding clasp, whose lenght is not very easy to set.
One thing I ignore is the reliability of this Chronograph. I say that because quite often, when you want to go for an " exotic " solution, you have to face some issues.
I never had issues with my Ulysse Nardin, though. Since it is the same calibre, I don't see why it would be different.
Best,
Nicolas.
Hi Nicolas, I share your feelings about the Tortue Monopusher. The iteration you showed happens to be the oldest watch in my collection now and survived all the in-and-out-tides of the last 12 years. You will notice the patina, it really had it's share of wrist time....I also added a picture of a not so common brother, the Paris 13, rue de la paix boutique 100th anniversary version. A must buy for me as I have this love for salmon dial watches... Hope there's nothing wrong with the pictures as t
I didn't know this salmon version! Gorgeous, indeed. No issues with the movement? Very nice watches. Do youn love them so much that you will keep both of them? Best, and thanks for these not so bad wristshots. Nicolas
My pleasure, Nicolas.... Never had an issue, in my view a very reliable movement. And yes, both are keepers, they have a very different presence on the wrist due to the very different dial. Will change the strap of one though, the Cartier burgundy is nice but a light brown strap might work even better. BTW, I feel the folding clasp (in Japan called "D buckle") to be very comfortable. Below two more pics. Best, Urinosuke
So many years owning a watch means a lot... Really superb. Best, Nicolas
which I find incredible. As you may expect, also the relationship with this baby had it's weak moments. Is it maybe too small....? But one look at this incredible blue on white contrast always let my mind find peace. I've seen several versions of the dial and every one had a blue with a different hue. The production of this dial seems to have been really manual / artesanal work. But it has to be seen with one's own eyes, pictures don't do it justice. Best, Urinosuke
And the détails of the dial, too. Too small? Hell NO! Best, Nicolas
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