Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2009 Reference No: 3081 Case No: 21727NX Model Name: Libre Froissée Material: 18k white gold and diamonds Calibre: Quartz, cal. 059, 5 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold and diamond-set Cartier buckle Dimensions: 40mm Length and 26mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier blank Certificate, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The present model represents an important part of Cartier's history, and represents what the brand is best known for: merging form with function. Cartier has historically flourished when tasked with merging its creative talents with horological endeavors. Following the first ladies wristwatch created in 1888, La Maison has always expanded their repertoire by strides, always innovating and coming up with novel and interesting ideas. Whether through a pendant watch during the belle époque period, or a fantastical tutti frutti bracelet watch during the art deco era, or even the whimsical and culture-shifting Crash during the 1960s, Cartier has always been at the forefront of creation.
The present timepiece, the Libre Froissée, is a 21st century continuation of Cartier's ethos. Manufactured circa 2009, the Libre Froissée features a unique and rather striking pavé-set case in the shape of a fan, complemented by a diamond-set crown. The watch dial is encased in a triangular shape with Roman numerals at 3 o'clock. Presented in virtually unworn condition, it is a perfect accessory for not only a chic and elegant woman, but perhaps even a daring and dapper man!
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.
