Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2002
    Reference No: 2498
    Movement No: 841835MG
    Model Name: Cartier Tortue
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 430MC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Bespoke 18K pink gold Cartier bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 34mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Cartier Italy dated 7th June 2002, instruction manual, product literature, red folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most emblematic and classic watch cases of the early 20th century is the Tortue. Designed by Louis Cartier in 1912, the rounded tonneau-shaped case was elegant and sophisticated and named “tortue à pattes” or “turtle on legs” both for its similarity to the animal’s shape and symbolism of good fortune and longevity. Elegant in proportions and adorned with two rows of diamonds on its pink gold case, the present Cartier Tortue ref. 2498 exhibits a beautiful radiant guilloché dial that is typical to the brand’s DNA, the chemin de fer minute track, Roman numerals with secret signature at 7 o’clock and of course, the blued-steel Breguet hands that adds a nice contrast to the overall aesthetic of the dial.

    Known to be the best artisanal Parisan House of Luxury that crafts the most breath-taking jewellery and timepieces for their top clientele, the present example is one of such. Featuring an unusual bracelet finished with polish and satin finished links, the warmth of the pink gold matches perfectly with the Tortue’s case. A unique bracelet, bespoke as a special request from the original owner, the refined bracelet elevates the timepiece to a new level. Furthermore, the manual wound movement that exhibits under the ample display of the sapphire caseback reveals the same cal. 430MC that is fitted in the Cartier Tank Obus from the coveted CPCP collection. Modified based on the Piaget 430P calibre, the movement decorated with the brand’s signature double C patterned delivers a power reserve of 36 hours. Well-preserved and an eye-catching example, the present timepiece is delivered with its certificate and full set of 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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997

Ref. 2498
A rare, fine and attractive pink gold and diamond-set tonneau-shaped wristwatch with bespoke bracelet, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2002
34mm width
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$140,000 - 280,000 
€17,800-35,700
$17,900-35,900

Sold for HK$441,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022