Christian Dior Cabriolet (Ref. 3031), 1990s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Christian Dior Cabriolet is one of the more interesting fashion-house watch designs to emerge from the 1990s. Rather than producing a traditional rectangular dress watch, Dior approached the Cabriolet almost like a compact object or piece of jewelry. The hinged cover transforms the watch from a discreet gold-toned case into a functioning timepiece with a surprisingly detailed dial hidden beneath. Reference 3031 captures that design language particularly well. The engraved exterior cover gives the watch a tactile quality that feels closer to a vintage cigarette case or lighter than a conventional wristwatch. Once opened, the dial contrasts sharply against the textured exterior, featuring a geometric Art Deco-inspired layout with black hands, Arabic numerals, and a recessed subsidiary seconds display. It is a playful design, but still restrained enough to feel wearable. Watches like this reflect a period when major fashion houses were experimenting more freely with watchmaking aesthetics. While many fashion watches from the era feel disposable today, the Cabriolet stands apart because the design is genuinely thoughtful. The concealed dial concept, integrated proportions, and dramatic contrast between the exterior shell and interior display give it a distinct personality that still feels unusual decades later. Writer’s Thoughts This is one of those watches that might seem weird at first, but works extremely well in person. The hinged cover adds a lot of character, and the warm, gold-toned case makes the whole watch feel very vintage in the best way possible. It wears more like a design object than a standard dress watch. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Christian Dior Model: Cabriolet (Ref. 3031) Year: circa 1990s Case Material: Gold-plated Case Size: 25mm Bezel: Hinged rectangular cover Dial: Cream geometric dial with subsidiary seconds Movement: Quartz Strap/Bracelet: Orange leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Christian Dior signed buckle Contents: Original Christian Dior presentation box Condition Case: Amazing patina throughout the gold-plated and surface scratches consistent with age and use. Dial: Clean overall with light aging visible under close inspection; printing remains crisp throughout. Hands: Hands remain in good overall condition. Crystal: No surface wear visible under inspection. Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap is new. Buckle/Clasp: Signed Christian Dior buckle showing light wear from use.