Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1970s Case No: 028'951 Model Name: Reversible Cabriolet Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 2442, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 32mm length x 21mm width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Cartier has always been at the forefront of interesting, unusual and daring designs since their early days. With certain models gaining a cult-like following such as the Santos and the Tank, there were also timepieces that contributed to the unforgettable legacy of the Parisian House of Luxury. While most may think that reversible wristwatches were only manufactured by Jaeger-LeCoultre via the Reverso, Cartier has produced some of the most exquisite reversible wristwatches, most notably the Basculante. Allowing the wearer to flip the watch to hide its dial, the design was a major success. The present Cartier Reversible Cabriolet, is certainly an intriguing timepiece as it allows the dial to pivot in a 360 degree rotation unlike any other. While its axis pinned to the crown and secured by an external rectangular-shaped frame, the Carbriolet is none other than a conversation starter which further embodies the daring designs of the swinging 1970s.
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.