Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 97050 Case No: 97050, 0’659 Model Name: Gondole “Jumbo” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 97B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm length x 34.5mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
To commemorate the relocation of the maison’s watch manufacture from France to La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland in 1972, Cartier released an exclusive line of twelve gold timepieces to celebrate its heritage, the “Louis Cartier Collection”. Famed for their creativity and endless muse, one of the model that took design to another level is the present Cartier Gondole “Jumbo”. Offered in yellow and white gold, this large, and funky Gondole with art deco influences boast an elegant double-stepped case that reminiscent a TV-shape from its era. Available either in vertical or horizontal orientation, the dials were off-white in colour and paired with classic Roman numerals, chemin de fer and blued steel hands. Furthermore, a small “PARIS” signature denotes that these pieces were sold from the brand’s flagship Paris Place Vendôme store. With rising popularity of vintage Cartier timepieces in recent times, this Cartier Gondole “Jumbo” preserved in excellent overall condition certainly stands out on the wrist with incredible presence.
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.