WHY WE CURATED IT: Most notable Cartiers are four-sided. Tanks, Santos, Pantheres, Tonneaus, even Tortues (plus each of their myriad variations) are all either overtly or subtly four-sided. Uncommon early circular pieces were all but forgotten until the 70s when Cartier revived them as Vendômes, named after the new Parisian boutique at Place Vendôme (to complement its historical flagship at 13 Rue de la Paix). Vendômes are some of the most underrated Cartiers and here we have a seldom seen “lemon” dial with “cloisonné” appliqués for the central dial sector and elegant, elongated roman indices. For clarity, this is not a cloisonné enamel dial, but is nicknamed “cloisonné” due to the similarity of the roman indices to the traditional craft of laying down gold wires to make up the picture outlines of enamel art on watches. A very bold and beautiful variant that’s hard to come by. Overall exquisitely rich and sophisticated, befitting the ultra thin elegance of the piece. In excellent condition and comes with its Cartier box.
CONDITION: 9.5/10 with almost no signs of wear save for some minor hairlines/nicks. Crystal, hands and cabochon are pristine. Dial has very minimal, very tiny marks. Caseback with crisp, deep engravings and hallmarks. New aftermarket burgundy croc-embossed strap with original Cartier pin buckle. Movement in excellent health, and quartz-accurate.
