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Lot #3578

CARTIER ELLIPSE GONDOLE 78091 18K YG

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Introduction

Famed for their designs such as the Tank, Crash, Santos and plenty of others, Cartier’s pedigree as a watch designer is unquestionable. However, it is the watches outside of those famous few that showcase just how eclectic their design prowess can be, and so we reveal the Cartier Gondole Ellipse. Launched as part of the Louis Cartier collection in 1973 whereby some of the brand’s famous designs were relaunched, and some new designed were introduced, the Ellipse takes the design tenets of other watches and repurposes them in an unconventional format, with its flat top and bottom speaking to the Tank’s rectangular shape, but its swollen sides adding some visual distinction. Featuring the French watchmaker’s signature dial design with its white color, black Roman numerals, railroad minute track and blued steel hands, the 18kt yellow gold Gondole Ellipse is filled with Cartier’s signature design DNA all while adding some new unique elements that are not as often seen, thus filling it with character.

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Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$2,000 – $4,000

The Details

Brand

Cartier

Dimensions

29mm x 32.5mm

Model

Ellipse Gondole

Movement

Manual-wind Cartier cal. 78-1

Reference

78091

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1980s

Condition

Very good

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

White

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring all of Cartier's core design tenets, the Ellipse boasts the same bright white dial with black Roman numerals, a railroad minute track and blued steel hands that can be found across hundreds of Cartier designs.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

With its squared-off oval shape, the Gondole Ellipse wears neatly on the wrist while still maintaining a distinctive presence on account of its hefty 18kt yellow gold construction, stepped bezel and unique shape.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

The yellow gold case is in very good condition, with some surface scratches. The case back features well-defined engravings and hallmarks, with some nicks around the edge. The white Paris-signed dial with Roman numerals shows discoloration around the center, with marks and crazing across the surface. A more noticeable crack is present near eleven o’clock. The watch is fitted with a black leather strap and the original yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

An aesthetically unique timepiece that serves to highlight Cartier's innate ability to create watch designs unlike any other watchmaker, the Gondole Ellipse is a stunning watch that speaks to Cartier's strengths as a design powerhouse.

Eric Ku

Co-founder