Manufacturer: Cartier
Year: Circa 2006
Reference No: 2681F
Case No: 23/25
Model Name: Tortue
Material: 18K pink gold
Calibre: Manual, cal. 9401 MC, 34 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions: 35.5mm Width and 43mm Length
Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate of Origin, product literature and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Cartier's very first tonneau watch was launched in 1906. Always pushing the boundaries of aesthetics and design, Louis Cartier broke convention by eschewing the traditional round wristwatch, favouring an unusual and elongated case design. At the time of production, the "Tonneau" watch was unusually daring - it boasted a confident and large case which elegantly hugged the wrist.

The present watch, part of a limited edition series of 25 pieces, is a modern-day interpretation of the storied model. Fitted with a minute repeating mechanism that chimes with great tone and clarity, the present watch nods back to Cartier's past, while staying incredibly modern in its proportions. It is furthermore preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its original accessories.
Artist Biography
Cartier
French
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.
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