
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Riviera 18k Gold Dress Watch, Roman Dial, ref. 107, circa 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Stock no.
- vws3475
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3475)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Riviera 18k Gold Dress Watch - Roman Dial - Model Ref: 107 - c.1970s (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3475), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. 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 — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Beautiful Lady's Cartier Riviera in 18k Gold with a Brilliant White Roman Dial and Stunning Jewelled Cabochon Crown, c.1970s Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, Cartier quickly became a renowned purveyor of luxury jewellery. The brand's venture into watchmaking began in the early 20th century when, in 1904, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont requested a wristwatch that he could easily read while flying, leading to the creation of the iconic Cartier Santos. This practical yet elegantly designed watch marked Cartier's transition from pocket watches to wristwatches, setting new standards for timepiece design. The Cartier Riviera watch is an emblematic timepiece that reflects the French luxury brand's dedication to elegance and precision. It made its debut in the mid-1970s, during an era marked by bold experimentation in watch design. Cartier, known for its timeless and exquisite craftsmanship, introduced the Riviera as a fusion of sportiness and elegance, ensuring it catered to those who desired both style and functionality. Throughout the 20th century, Cartier continued to innovate, blending superior craftsmanship with luxurious materials. Iconic models like the Cartier Panthère and Ballon Bleu emerged, helping solidify Cartier's reputation as a leader in haute horlogerie. Cartier watches symbolise timeless elegance, embodying a seamless blend of form and function. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this very elegant Cartier Riviera watch for sale in such wonderful pre-owned condition. Crafted from 18k yellow gold with a brilliant white Roman dial, it is a timeless design that still looks wonderful on the wrist - the watch’s ultra-thin gold case offers a slim and elegant profile. The dial is in nice shape with minimal signs of age - a couple of small blemishes to the outer edges of the dial but of course, the synonymous 'PARIS' signature is there. The yellow gold case looks beautiful and offers a really opulent aesthetic - as if one could be more opulent than Cartier! The jewelled Cabochon crown completes the look. The case back is engraved with Cartier Paris and 107130330. The watch wears beautifully on the wrist as is illustrated in our photographs and is more than appropriate for every occasion - it is paired with its original Cartier leather strap. A truly elegant piece that is sure to attract some admiring glances!
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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