Cartier Yellow Gold Tortue Wristwatch Ref 2496C
View Similar Items
Cartier Yellow Gold Tortue Wristwatch Ref 2496C
About the Item
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage Ref 2545 Yellow Gold Mechanical WristwatchBy Patek PhilippeLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2545, 32 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 piece case with Water Proof Back, 18 Jewel, Caliber 12-400 Mechani...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Tank Francaise Ref 1840 Large Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2005 Cartier Tank Francaise Reference 1840 Wrist Watch, 28 X 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece Water resistant case, Automatic Self winding movement, Sapphire Crown and Sapphire ...Category
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Tank Americaine Ref 2482 Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Wrist WatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2000 Cartier Reference 2482 Ladies Tank Americaine Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 19 M.M 2 piece water resistant case with Factory original Roun...Category
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier White Gold Tank American Mid Size Automatic WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2000 Cartier Tank American Wrist Watch, 41 X 23 MM 18K White Gold water resistant case. Automatic, self Winding movement. Silver White Engine Turned Dial with Black Roman Numer...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Cartier Trinity Vendome Tri-Color Gold Quartz Large WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 2000 Trinity Vendome collection Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. Diameter 18K Yellow, Pink and White Gold 2 Piece stepped case. Quartz movement, Sapphire set Crown, White Dial with Black R...Category
Early 2000s French Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Rare Rolex Vintage Rose Gold Ref 6612 Day Date President WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1969 Rare Rolex Reference 6612 18K Rose Gold Day Date President Model Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. 3 Piece case with Fluted Bezel, the inside case back features both unique Reference numbers 6612 and 6611. Caliber 1065 25 Jewel Automatic, Self winding movement, Silver Satin Pie Pan Dial with raised Rose Gold markers, sweep seconds hand and a Date window at the 3 position. Acrylic crystal with Bubble...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Tortue Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Watch Ref 2645By CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier Tortue Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Watch Ref 2645 - Manual winding. Rose Gold case with diamonds ( 20 mm x 27mm). Silver dial with Roman num...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
- Cartier Paris “Tortue” Diamond and Grosgrain WristwatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYRepresenting a watchmaking milestone, this circa 1913 ladies’ “Tortue” wristwatch by Cartier Paris is composed of platinum 18K gold, and diamonds, with a silk strap. The “Tortue”tonn...Category
Early 20th Century French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
- Cartier Santos Octagone Wristwatch ref 187903. 18K Yellow Gold, Year 1990...By CartierLocated in Canterbury, GBOur Attractive Cartier Santos Octagone reference 187903 features the small size case with quartz movement and date function. The case (26mm x 31mm) and bracelet are of stainless stee...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Wristwatch Original Design by CartierBy ElginLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue Shape / Art Deco / Reference 0728 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold-filled
- Cartier Tank Américaine 18 Karat Gold Ladies Wristwatch Ref. 1710By CartierLocated in Berlin, DECase and folding clasp made of 18 Karat solid Gold. Including certificate of authenticity.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Manual Wristwatch Ref 9004By RolexLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLA rare and beautiful Rolex ref.#9004 in 18k gold, manual wind movement, 17 jewels. Original unrestored dial with warm tropical patina and gold markers,...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.