Vintage Cartier Tortue Model 1945 18ct Yellow Gold Watch | 1995 | Box & Papers

An exceptionally elegant vintage Cartier Tortue Model 1945, crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold and dating to 1995. Complete with its original Cartier box and papers, this is a particularly desirable example of one of Cartier’s most distinctive and less commonly encountered watch designs.

First introduced in 1912, the Cartier Tortue takes its name from its softly curved, tortoise-shell-inspired case. Its sculptural silhouette sits beautifully between the clean geometry of the Tank and the flowing proportions of a tonneau watch, creating a design that is unmistakably Cartier while remaining considerably less ubiquitous than many of the maison’s better-known models.

This Model 1945 example features a beautifully proportioned 24mm × 28.5mm solid 18ct yellow-gold case, paired with Cartier’s classic Roman numeral dial, blued-steel hands and signature sapphire cabochon-set crown. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, making it wonderfully practical to wear while retaining all the character and elegance of vintage Cartier.

There is a lovely restraint to this particular watch. The richness of the yellow gold is balanced beautifully by the crisp dial and traditional Cartier detailing, giving it the presence of a fine piece of jewellery without feeling overly ornate.

Presented in excellent vintage condition, the watch has also been fully serviced and is supplied with its original Cartier box and papers.

Elegant, distinctive and increasingly sought after, this is a superb choice for collectors of vintage Cartier, solid-gold watches and unusual Cartier references — or simply for someone looking for something a little more individual than the classic Tank.

Read our guide to Vintage and pre-owned Cartier watches.