Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2008 Case No: 983'173 Material: 18k white gold, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and rubies Calibre: Quartz Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald-set Cartier bracelet, 160 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold and diamond-set Cartier concealed folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 17.5 mm. width and 25 mm. height Signed:Case and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a modern day interpretation of the iconic “Tutti Frutti” design. Set with carved rubies, emeralds, sapphires and brilliant diamonds, the bracelet is also studded with cabochon rubies that appear as berries on a winding stem. The dial is furthermore fitted with pavé diamonds, which are set incredibly finely and closely together.The clasp is furthermore fitted with pavé diamonds, giving the watch a glamorous design.
This bracelet watch pays homage to the historically important pieces within the jeweler’s archive.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.