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Cartier Coussin Bamboo: yes or no?
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’.
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)
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
Cartier Coussin Bamboo: yes or no?
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 mo...
Yes, true. But the Cheich makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, because of its
“cultural appropriation” aspect... Just my reaction of course. Best, Emmanuel
Here I might actually prefer the colored gold version…
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.
I guess you’re right.
My reservations could very well vanish in real life! I’m glad you like it so much. Best, Emmanuel
I would say it’s rather unusual and original so that’s definitely appealing. But I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s aesthetically pleasing, especially relative to Cartier’s other offerings
And at the prices these are commanding these days……..