Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir - Full set 2396

The watch

This manual-winding, 18K white gold medium-sized Cartier Monopoussoir is part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris and was produced in a limited numbers. Elegance and a vintage feel are combined in the rosette guilloché patterned dial design, blued steel Breguet style hands and an inky blue round minute track as an homage to the Tortue Monopoussoirs of the twenties.

The watch features two sub-dials: one displaying the running seconds and the other serving as a 30-minute chronograph timer. Encircling the outer part of the dial is a railroad minute track, mirroring the subdial borders and creating a striking contrast with the white guilloché dial. The subdials, outer minute track, and Breguet-style Roman numerals are meticulously detailed in blue ink, while the blued steel hands introduce a subtle touch of color.

As expected, the dial proudly carries the inscription "Cartier Paris", paying homage to earlier pieces from the early 20th century that featured the city's name below the brand. The dial itself is crafted from 18-carat gold, showcasing a central rose motif just below the hands, radiating into a traditional guilloché pattern. The blue ink-stamped rail track and Roman numerals seamlessly blend into the dial's aesthetics, while the legible Breguet-style hands are finished in blued steel.

The Tortue case exhibits graceful, curved lines and polished surfaces throughout. Its dimensions measure 34mm by 43mm (lug to lug), striking a balance between a timeless appearance and contemporary preferences. 

Movement

François-Paul Journe, Denis Flageollet (co-founder of De Bethune) and Vianney Halter. Three of the greatest, current independent watchmakers. Three names that provide yet another enthralling dimension of horological heritage to this eminent timepiece.

Before each of these gifted creators embarked on their distinctly individual path, an exciting - yet relatively fleeting - collision of their talents would leave its definitive mark on the history of modern watchmaking. In 1989, with the freedom, fearlessness and boldness of youth, Journe and Flageollet founded Techniques Horlogères Appliquées or "THA" and were joined soon after by Halter. THA ideated, created and produced movements for a number of the major brands, including Cartier and Breguet. With these three innovative and outstandingly bright minds driving THA, absolute exceptionality in the company's production was the order of the day. Absolute exceptionality which is clearly evident in one of the most notable and important THA creations - the creation found inside this Tortue Monopoussoir - Calibre 045MC.

A 157 component, manually-wound movement, which is constructed in such a way as to allow an entirely unrestricted view of every aspect of its ultra-smooth workings. The movement incorporates a clutch system and double swivel pin that eliminate the frequently seen 'jolt' of a chronograph's seconds hand. Each click of the crown displays an absolutely faultless reaction. Precision, sensitivity and clarity are all defining characteristics of Calibre 045MC. The movement contains 22 jewels, has a frequency of 21,600 vph and a power reserve of 40 hours. Flawless mechanics are matched with a flawless hand finish: straight and radial graining can be seen on the wheels and levers, while the base plate is brushed and decorated with circular graining/perlage. The art of anglage defines the bridges, which are also engraved with the Cartier double-C cipher. This calibre is 25.6mm x 3.8mm worth of staggering watchmaking.

A highly exclusive movement, Calibre 045MC was developed specifically by THA for the relaunch of the Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir. The only other known occasions of its use are in the Cartier Tank Monopoussoir, as well as the De Bethune Monopoussoir models DB1 and DB8.

How it wears

If there were ever to be a Cartier timepiece that could be said to really evoke that sense of 'King' (King of Jewellers), then this Tortue Monopoussoir would be a decidedly strong candidate. So rich and resplendent in heritage both from a Cartier perspective and from that of modern watchmaking, so utterly beautiful in its aesthetic composition and form - this timepiece, beyond any shadow of a doubt, is one of the most impressive crown jewels of haute horlogerie. Yet, in spite of the vast historical weight it carries, it is a timepiece that wears with such effortless and charming ease. Its dimensions, far from being over-bearing, are perfectly contained.  The solid yet flowing and seamless structure of the watch, together with the slight curve of the caseback, allow for the piece to simply envelop the wrist. This Tortue is the embodiment of elegant masculinity, with an irresistible golden flair of the extraordinary.

The set & condition

This Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir 2396 is in excellent condition with light signs of wear. It comes as a full set, with signature red Cartier CPCP box and complementing papers. The watch comes with its original Cartier white gold folding buckle and a Cartier blue alligator strap. The strap mounted on the watch is a Mr WATCHLEY Grained Midnight blue strap. 

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