Commissioned by a prominent Cartier collector, the present “NSO” or “New Special Order” Cloche de Cartier is a masterpiece of design, speaking to the classicism of Cartier’s style combined with the personal taste of its client. The Cloche, or “bell” in French, resembles most interestingly a service bell, made to be rung at a counter.
First introduced as a case shape in 1921, it was then re-introduced several times as a limited edition by the brand - most notably in 1996 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Cartier, and again in 2007 as a limited series of 100 in yellow gold. Other smaller runs were interspersed throughout the 80s and 90s, but none in significant numbers. In 2021, however, Cartier brought the Cloche shape back in full force with versions in yellow gold, pink gold, and platinum, as well as skeletonized versions of each watch offered both with and without diamonds.
After this run, an intrepid collector was inspired to create their own version of the Cloche. A fan of black dials and platinum cases, the present NSO Cloche features a deep anthracite sunburst dial with Breguet, or pomme, style hands and white stylized Arabic numerals rather than Roman numerals seen on previous production models. In pristine overall condition, from the original owner’s collection, this impressive Cloche is accompanied by all of its original accessories, ready to be enjoyed by a new collector.
PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER