A solid eighteen carat gold and pavé set Cartier Colisée wristwatch. An absolutely stunning, rare and high quality piece of haute horology meets jewellery. Such can be the quality and design expertise when Cartier set their minds to creating new shapes and case designs that they become a crossover between a jewellery piece, and a watch. This very much has the elegance of a gold bracelet.
This model is an iteration of the Colisée collection. When this watch was launched it was part of a collection of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that all were modeled around interlocking bombé shapes and forms. As a result of which this case and links retain a bombé shape and interlock. It came in all gold, and in exceptionally low numbers, with full pavé center links to the bracelet that match the "lugs" of the case. Only one such example could be found. With no others in this design showing up.
The dial is everything one comes to love about Cartier watches; egg shell dial, black Roman numerals, blue steeled hands and the discreet "hidden" signature. This time located at the ten o'clock position. As is the case with most watches from this period, the dial is signed "Swiss" below the six o'clock marker, it is floating quite prominently at the tops of the five and seven o'clock markers. One of the most beautiful features to the watch is the large, inversely set, diamond into the crown. Classically Cartier fit sapphires in to the crown, but for their highest level of watch making, this made way for diamonds. This watch would most likely have been included in the Priveé Collection.
As aforementioned, the watch is essentially a Cartier bracelet. Just having the added beauty of featuring a way to tell time as well. The bracelet measures seven and one quarter inches long. It is made to the levels one comes to expect with Cartier, and has two removable screws on the back of each link, meaning it can be sized to fit any wrist. The case is set with thirty four brilliant cut, beautiful and bright diamonds. Each of the details into the bracelet are also set with eight diamonds of the same size, and then one larger approximately quarter carat brilliant cut diamond.
The fully signed and hallmarked watch case back is held in place by a number of small gold screws, beneath which is a Cartier quartz movement. The watch is very rare for examples of this time; it is complete with the original box and all the original paperwork. Even with a service receipt from a new battery change at Cartier seven years ago. The watch has never been polished, and is presented in stunning condition throughout. This is an incredibly rare chance to own a stunning piece of vintage Cartier history.
