Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2006
    Reference No: W1546551, 2762
    Movement No: 158
    Case No: 158
    Model Name: Tortue Monopoussoir CPCP
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 045 MC, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 38mm width x 48mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Europe Watch Hong Kong dated 14th December 2006, instruction manual, red document holder, wooden tool box, cloth, loupe, gloves, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The first tortue-shaped wristwatch made by Cartier goes all the way back to 1912. Sleek in profile and unusually shaped at the time, the firm released their first tortue monopusher chronograph in 1928 with its movement developed in collaboration with Edmond Jaeger and LeCoultre using European Watch and Clock Company-branded calibers. Operated through a single button in the crown, the start-stop-reset is completed all through the one button.

    When the brand released the Cartier Privée Collection Paris (CPCP) in 1998, it gave the them an opportunity to update and modernise some of their most cherished, and iconic wristwatches. It was with great pride and fanfare that they reintroduced the Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir. Named “tortue à pattes” or “turtle on legs” it was a symbol of good fortune and longevity. The new watch was larger and contemporary, featuring the all-new chronograph caliber 045MC. This new movement is historic itself as it was co-developed by Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet, and Francois-Paul Journe through their firm at the time, Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA).

    The present example Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir CPCP in white gold is a stunningly attractive specimen of the highly sought-after model. Not only that it is well-preserved boasting an unpolished case, but it is also accompanied by its full set of accessories with a certificate that is dated and stamped by a local Hong Kong retailer. Adding to its attraction, it is further accompanied by a wooden Cartier toolbox.

  • 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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Σ924

Ref. W1546551, 2762
A very fine, attractive and rare white gold tortue-shaped single button chronograph wristwatch with certificate and presentation box

Circa 2006
38mm width x 48mm length
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 250,000 
€13,300-27,700
$15,400-32,100

Sold for HK$327,600

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021