Important Collector's Wristwatches, P...

New York, Dec 01, 2004

LOT 231

Cartier "Tortue Chronograph", No. 12/13, Ref. 2396. Produced in a limited edition of 13 examples in 1999 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Cartier's showrooms at 13, Rue de la Paix in Paris. Very fine and very rare, tonneau-shaped, water-resistant, 18K white gold gentleman's wristwatch with single button chronograph and register and an 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp. Accompanied by a fitted box.

C. Two-body, solid, polished, transparent case back with 8 screws, case band with 4 screws, rounded bezel,octagonal sapphire-set winding-crown, sapphire crystals. D. "Guilloché" pink with painted radial Roman numerals and a ?13?, secret "Cartier" signature at 7, subsidiary seconds and 30-minute register dials. Blued steel "Breguet" hands. M. Cal. 045, engraved with special Cartier finish, rhodium plated, 22 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 34 x 43 mm.