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845Σ

Cartier

Ref. 2496

Tortue

An attractive yellow gold and diamond-set tonneau-shaped wristwatch with guilloche dial, Roman numerals, certificate and presentation box

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Having become an icon since its first inception in the early 1900s, the Cartier Tortue designed by the emblematic and revered Louis Cartier features an elegantly shaped case with round and subtle curves mimicking the likes of a turtle shell. Becoming a classic over the decades, the Cartier Tortue has evolved with various complications, sizes and designs.

The present example Cartier Tortue ref. 2496 from the 2000s, is a classic example featuring the firm’s signature guilloche dial. Belonging to the mid-sized variant of the model, the present bedazzled example features two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds set in pave style. Elegant and timeless with a hint of flare, the present example is surely one to turn heads.

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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