Cartier - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 2356
    Case No: 0227CC
    Model Name: Tortue Monopoussoir CPCP
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. MC045, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 34mm Width x 43 Length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate, red leather presentation box, wallet, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cartier’s first Tortue-shaped watch was released in 1912, and updated in the 1990s within the Cartier Privée Paris Collection (CPCP) line. Offered as time-only, tourbillon, and monopusher chronograph models, it was the chronograph that was a standout. In the early 20th century, Cartier worked with Edmond Jaeger and LeCoultre using European Watch and Clock Company-branded movements that could fit these rare and unusual pieces. The first Cartier monopusher was released in 1928, and operated using a single button in the crown, with the start-stop-reset completed all through the one button. This allowed a cleaner and more elegant case line, compared to two button chronograph watches that had a more casual, sportive look.

    The new, CPCP watch was larger and more contemporary, featuring the all-new chronograph caliber 045MC. This new movement is historic as it was co-developed by Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet, and Francois-Paul Journe through their firm at the time, Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA). Together, they developed a single-button chronograph movement with a lever escapement and clutch system with a swivel pin. Essentially, this upgrade does away with the “jolt” or “skip” the user feels when re-setting the seconds hand and allows for a smoother re-set function.

    Well preserved and nicely aged, this Tortue Monopoussoir CPCP is consigned by the original owner, and complete with Cartier certificate and presentation box. Today’s collectors appreciate the sheer beauty and technical mastery of watches from the CPCP collection, in particular Monopoussoir models, and the current lot offers a rare opportunity to obtain this outstanding combination of horological innovation and classical aesthetics.

  • Artist Biography

    Cartier

    French

    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. 

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Property of the Original Owner

Σ61

Ref. 2356
A rare, and fine yellow gold single-button chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1999
34mm Width x 43 Length
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$15,000 - 30,000 
CHF13,500-27,000
€13,900-27,700
HK$117,000-235,000
S$20,200-40,300

Sold for $38,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023