The dual-time complication is not foreign to Cartier at all, an iconic fitted into coveted models from the Parisian Maison such as the Cartier Tonneau, Tank Cintrée and Tank À Vis, the double crowned timepieces balances both elegance and practicality at the same time. The present square-shaped timepiece is somewhat of a peculiar sibling from the family. Cased in yellow gold with short faceted straight lugs, the timepiece is not your everyday Cartier. It features a golden canvas with two dial operated by individual crowns, each stamped in black with a Cartier signature beside its Roman numeral dial. Unusual as it is, this rare specimen is in fact powered by a Baume & Mercier movement.

This brings us back to 1993, the birth of Vendôme Luxury Group who operated one of the world’s most distinguished collection of luxury goods including Cartier. As the King of Jewellers, Cartier further acquired controlling shares in Piaget and Baume & Mercier for its reign. During the time, Baume & Mercier would provide movements for a small portion of timepiece for the Maison. Powered by the cal. BM550, the present Cartier Dual-time shares strong similarity to the Baume & Mercier ref. 32001. An extremely rare specimen, this is the first example to appear in the market. Preserved in excellent condition retaining it’s strong lugs and edges, the hallmarks are further well-preserved on the caseback and between the lugs. With a recent Cartier service record this year, the present Cartier Dual-time is certainly a rare breed for Cartier aficionados.