Cartier Tortue 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Brown Leather Watch 2656B
View Similar Items
Cartier Tortue 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Brown Leather Watch 2656B
About the Item
- Creator:
- Style:
- Place of Origin:Switzerland
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2011
- Condition:See Inspection Report.
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 508-3933021stDibs: LU130035802381
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.
- Cartier Tortue WA503751 Women's Watch in 18 Karat Rose GoldBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Tortue WA503751 Women's Watch in 18kt Rose Gold SKU: 129073 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Tortue Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Hand-wind...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Tortue Perpetual Calendar Automatic Rose Gold Mens Watch W1580045By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Tortue Perpetual Calendar Automatic Rose Gold Mens Watch W1580045. Self-winding automatic movement. 18k rose gold Tonneau shape case 45.6 mm x 51 mm. Case thickness is 16.8 m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Tortue Small 18k Rose Gold Brown Strap Ladies Watch W1556360By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Tortue Small 18k Rose Gold Brown Strap Ladies Watch W1556360. Manual winding movement. 18K rose gold case 24.0 x 30.0 mm. Octagonal crown set with the black cabochon. 18K ros...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Tortue 18k White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch Wa501007By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Tortue 18k White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WA501007. Manual winding movement. 18K white gold case 24.0 x 30.0 mm. Octagonal cro...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold
- Cartier Tortue 2644 Women's Watch in 18kt White GoldBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Tortue 2644 Women's Watch in 18kt White Gold SKU: 125709 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Tortue Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Hand-winding...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold
- Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket WatchBy CartierLocated in Dallas, TXCartier 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding . 18K Yellow gold ( 42 mm) Inner case engraving; signed Baume & Mercier. Champagne dial with stick hour markers. Pre-owned with ...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
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.