Cartier Tortue 2496C 'Collection Priveé'
SoldCartier Tortue 2496C 'Collection Priveé'
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This exquisite ‘Collection Priveé’ Tortue is a modern interpretation of one of the most enduring and iconic Cartier designs. At its inception in 1912, the Tortue was only the third wrist watch design made by Cartier, with the Santos-Dumont and Tonneau preceding it. Much like its older siblings, the Tortue stood out from the predominantly round watches of the time due to its tortoise-shell inspired design. Despite its long history, the Tortue has only been released in small numbers over the years and is quite a rare sight. This ref. 2496C Tortue is part of the exclusive and limited “Collection Priveé Cartier Paris” (CPCP) from the early 2000s. The tonneau-shaped case with curved sides is executed in 18k yellow-gold and measures 34 x 43 mm. The real star of the show is the exquisite handmade dial. As with all of the CPCP watches, the dial is made of 18k gold, covered with a layer that contains fine guilloché engraving and a rose motif in the centre. The dial, of course, features Cartier’s painted black Roman numerals and closed minute track as well as elegant blued Breguet-style hands that match well with the iconic sapphire-tipped 18k yellow-gold crown. The 2496C is powered by an ultra-thin manual winding movement, with a height of just 2.1 mm that was produced especially for the CPCP collection by Piaget. The watch comes on an original burgundy alligator-leather Cartier strap with an 18k yellow-gold Cartier deployment clasp.
Introduction
Cartier Louis-François Cartier took over his master’s jewellery workshop in 1847. Over the years, his sons and grandsons inherited the family business and expanded the brand by opening shops in New York and London. King Edward VII of the United Kingdom granted Cartier a prestigious royal warrant in 1904, calling the brand “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” Such was the renown of Cartier, that royal warrants soon rolled in from all over the world (among which, Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Siam, Spain, Portugal, and Russia). While Cartier is known primarily for its jewellery, it also has a storied history in watchmaking. Cartier’s first foray in watchmaking came in 1888, offering exclusively ladies models. In 1904, Louis Cartier gave his friend and Brazilian aviation pioneer Santos Dumont a watch to wear during his flights. Until then, wrist watches were worn exclusively by women and men opted for the traditional pocket watch. The ‘Santos-Dumont’ was not only the first wristwatch geared towards men but also the first pilot’s watch.
Specifications
- SKU 6959
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Reference
2496C
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