Cartier’s first Tortue-shaped watch was released in 1912, and updated in the 1990s within the Cartier Privée Paris Collection (CPCP) line. Offered as time-only, tourbillon, and monopusher chronograph models, it was the chronograph that was a standout. In the early 20th century, Cartier worked with Edmond Jaeger and LeCoultre using European Watch and Clock Company-branded movements that could fit these rare and unusual pieces. The first Cartier monopusher was released in 1928, and operated using a single button in the crown, with the start-stop-reset completed all through the one button. This allowed a cleaner and more elegant case line, compared to two button chronograph watches that had a more casual, sportive look.

The new, CPCP watch was larger and more contemporary, featuring the all-new chronograph caliber 045MC. This new movement is historic as it was co-developed by Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet, and Francois-Paul Journe through their firm at the time, Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA). Together, they developed a single-button chronograph movement with a lever escapement and clutch system with a swivel pin. Essentially, this upgrade does away with the “jolt” or “skip” the user feels when re-setting the seconds hand and allows for a smoother re-set function.

Well preserved and nicely aged, this Tortue Monopoussoir CPCP is consigned by the original owner, and complete with Cartier certificate and presentation box. Today’s collectors appreciate the sheer beauty and technical mastery of watches from the CPCP collection, in particular Monopoussoir models, and the current lot offers a rare opportunity to obtain this outstanding combination of horological innovation and classical aesthetics.