Cartier Paris Tortue 18K YG (Ref. 96069) "Extra Plate", 1970s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Cartier name is synonymous with luxury and has been since the brand's inception in 1847. Offering bespoke and unique jewelry to the world’s elite allowed Cartier to grow steadily through the 19th century and eventually introduced new offerings to their clientele. Among the ranks of the Tank Normale, Santos-Dumont, and the Baignoire, the Tortue is one of the early original designs introduced by Louis Cartier. Debuting in 1912 with a name that directly translates to "tortoise" in English, the Tortue became an instant classic within Cartier's offerings and has been reinvented by the Maison time and time again throughout the brand's history. While the first version of the Trotue was a time-only model, perhaps the most famous version of the Tortue is the mono-pusher chronograph or the "monopoussoir" which was introduced in 1929 alongside a minute repeater version. This reference of the Cartier Tortue is best known amongst collectors as the "Extra Plate" or "Extra Thin" and is one of the thinnest Cartier watches ever produced and features a total thickness of 5mm. This impressive feat is achieved through the utilization of the renowned Frederic Piguet Cal. 21 ultra-thin mechanical movement. Though this Cartier Tortue "Extra Plate" is one of the thinnest watches Cartier ever made, it retains the standard height and width dimensions of the Tortue in this era, making for a perfectly proportioned timepiece. Stock # CTRPT96069 Brand Cartier Style Tortue "Extra Plate" Model 96069 Serial 02XX Size Men's / Unisex Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial White Roman "Paris" Millimeters 26.5 x 34.5 Bracelet Cartier 18K YG Milanese Bracelet W/ Hidden Cartier Deployant Clasp CASE & BRACELET The svelte, handsome, and perfectly proportioned "extra plate" 18K yellow gold case is in impressively well-preserved condition, showing minimal signs of previous polishing, excellent dimensions, and gentle signs of use. The case retains its original mineral glass sloped crystal which exhibits some gentle wear from use. The case retains its original blue sapphire cabochon crown. The back of the case retains all of the watch's original factory markings and hallmarks in crisp and clear condition. The watch comes supplied on its extremely uncommon and beautifully crafted 18K yellow gold Cartier milanese-style hidden clasp bracelet with deployant clasp. The bracelet will fit up to a 6 3/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original and classic white "Paris" dial with black Roman numerals is in excellent overall condition with a charming warmth and vintage aesthetic. The dial exhibits some gentle elements of age expected of a Cartier dial of this era though no damage or cracking is present. The original blued hands are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.