Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Ceinture ref. 78099, White 'Paris' Dial
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. late 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 27 mm
- Stock no.
- OC3434
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Oliver & Clarke (OC3434)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Ceinture Ref. 78099 - White 'Paris' Dial (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Oliver & Clarke (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number OC3434), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. late 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 27 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke
Cartier's catalog is full of pieces that don't bear "Tank" in front of the model name, and many remain overlooked or flat out unknown to the vast majority of consumers. Introduced in 1927, the Ceinture is a textbook of an example of one such model. Produced in a variety of variations over the years, including quartz and automatic variants in the 1970s-1980s, all Ceinture variants utilize a symmetrical 'stepped' square case with beveled corners and a 'guarded' flat crown at the 3 o'clock position rather than the usual cabochon crown. The piece that we have here dates to circa the late 1970s and is perhaps the most desirable size Ceinture, with a 27mm x 27mm case and a manual-winding movement inside. It comes to us in strong overall condition, with clear hallmarks and engravings and shows normal signs of wear throughout. The white enamel 'Paris' dial within presents nicely, with crisp black printing and correct blued-steel 'sword' handset. If nothing from the Tank or Santos family speaks to you, this might just be a perfect alternative, and quite a bit more rare.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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