Cartier Tortue Monopusher Chronograph

Despite being a purveyor of haute joaillerie, Cartier has had a long tradition of making watches. It started in 1904, when founder Louis Cartier made what was arguably the very first wristwatch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont and named it after his friend. Throughout the years, the brand made a name for itself with its most famous wristwatch, the Tank, in all its multitudinous forms.

But for this watch, Cartier used another case shape entirely—the Tortue.

Instead of the long lines of the Tank, the Tortue is a different creature altogether. It’s sensuous, curvy, chic. It was designed by Louis Cartier in 1912, and has the distinction of being the third watch Cartier created after the Santos and the Tank.

Like those two watches, the Tortue was time only, until in 1928 Cartier released a mono-pusher or monopoussoir chronograph—a feat which they would repeat in 1999.

Cartier managed to stay afloat throughout the 1980s and 1990s by adopting quartz technology, a decision which astonished purists. So in 1998 the Maison announced the Collection Privée, in which classic designs from Cartier’s golden era were updated just in time for the new millennium. Rather than use quartz movements, the Maison used calibres borrowed from Piaget or Jaeger-LeCoultre.

However, for the movement of the Tortue, Cartier commissioned a company called THA Èbauche—which was founded by none other than Vianney Halter, Denis Flagolet (founder of De Bethune), and François-Paul Journe.

With such an illustrious collection of watchmakers behind it, it’s no surprise that the Calibre 045MC is a work of art in and of itself—technically as well as visually.

It’s powered by a clutch system in which the chronograph central wheel is activated by a double swivel pin. In layman’s terms, this eliminates the “skip” of the seconds hand that often happens with chronographs operated by a lateral clutch, resulting in a smooth operation that is a pleasure to watch. The movement itself is beautiful, finished to perfection, and can be seen dancing away through the sapphire exhibition case back.

Though a chronograph by its nature is meant for use in sports timing, the slim profile of the case—and the fact that the movement relies on a single pusher to operate it—makes it perhaps the only chronograph that looks best when peeking out from under the cuff of a bespoke suit. 

In warm 18k yellow gold, accompanied by its original brown leather strap, it exudes an elegance that can only be Cartier.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.