Introduction
Designed by Louis Cartier in 1912, the Cartier Tortue was released as the third timepiece from the iconic French Maison. Taking inspiration from a rather unique source, the Tortue was inspired by, and named after, the shape of a tortoiseshell. As such, the Tortue features a tonneau-shaped case with rounded lugs and a slightly-domed bezel that all contributed to it being quite a unique watch when it first came out. Re-established within Cartier’s catalog in the late 1990s during their renaissance thanks to the fortune-turning Collection Privée Cartier Paris, the Tortue is a legendary timepiece that offers high-end watchmaking and a stunning design that is as old and iconic as any other in the industry. Acting as the crossroads between Cartier’s undeniable craftsmanship as a jeweler and their brilliant skill as watchmakers, this diamond-studded Tortue offers an exceptionally luxurious construction and aesthetic that is certainly worth spending some time to admire.
Perhaps the most luxurious Tortue ever made, this watch features a case of 18k white gold set with 56 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 4.79 carats, and a faceted crown set with a brilliant-cut diamond. The dial is 18k white gold set with 108 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 8.1 carats. A true heavyweight in every sense of the word! The last retail price of this watch was $324,600.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$100,000 – $200,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
38mm x 48mm
Model
Tortue XL
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 9601 MC
Reference
3441 (CRHPI00502)
Bracelet
Black Leather strap with double adjustable 18k Rhodiumized White Gold folding buckle
Year
2018
Condition
Very Good
Material
18k White Gold
Included
Watch, Box and Papers
Dial Color
Diamond Baguette
THE DIAL
Invisibly set with 108 baguette-cut diamonds weighing in at a total of 8.1 carats, this Tortue XL's dial sits at the juncture between Cartier famed artisanal craftsmanship as a jeweler and their skills as watchmakers.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its diamond-studded lugs and mid-case sloping across the watch, the Cartier Tortue's construction hugs the wrist just as comfortably as its nearly 13 carats of diamonds glisten.
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
Overall condition is excellent. Watch was recently sent to Cartier for a full service. It appears to have been worn very seldomly.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, an alternative leather strap to the existing exotic version, shall be provided.
Our Perspective
Immaculately constructed and stunningly beautiful, this Tortue demonstrates the very best Cartier has to offer regarding their watchmaking prowess and artisanal level of detail and craftsmanship.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
