A solid eighteen carat gold and pavé set Cartier Tonneau Bambou wristwatch. An absolutely stunning, rare and incredibly high quality piece of haute horology meets jewellery. Such can be the quality and design expertise when Cartier set their minds to creating new shapes and case designs that they become a cross over between a jewellery piece, and a watch.
This model is an iteration of the classic Bambou (bamboo) model introduced in the 1970's where the case was a soft rectangle formed by pieces of bamboo, and was delivered in both men's and ladies case sizes. This was also part of the jewellery collection that was introduced in the 1990's. The Cartier house was constantly taking inspiration from the beauty and splendor of Asia for both Mystery Clocks, jewellery and watches alike from as far back as the 1920's. When this watch was launched it was part of a collection of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that all were modeled of this thicker, more stylized bamboo look that what had preceded. As a result of which this case is very thick, rounded and frames the watch beautifully. Unlike the initial Bambou watch, this new shape was tonneau. It was also not launched for men. It came in all gold, and in exceptionally low numbers, in full pavé, such as the example currently presented.
The dial is everything one comes to love about Cartier watches; egg shell dial, black Roman numerals, blue steeled hands and the discreet "hidden" signature. This time located at the ten o'clock position. As was the case with their finest works in watch making, the dial is signed "Paris", and not "Swiss". So proud of this were they that, rather than placing it below the six o'clock marker, it is floating quite prominently at the tops of the five and seven o'clock markers. The original crystal is fitted to the watch and has an elegant bombe shape. One of the most beautiful features to the watch is the large, inversely set, diamond into the crown. Classically Cartier fit sapphires in to the crown, but for their highest level of watch making, this made way for diamonds. This watch would most likely have been included in the Priveé Collection.
The fully signed and hallmarked watch case back is held in place by a number of small gold screws, beneath which is a Cartier quartz movement. Another beautiful and rare for this era detail to this watch is found on the outside buckle part of the deployant, This area is also pavé set. This watch came to us privately, and was in fact the most expensive Cartier watch when bought from the Cartier boutique in 1997. This is an incredibly rare chance to own a stunning piece of vintage Cartier history.
