Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir Yellow Gold - Ref. 2356 - Full set

Origin

Since 1847 Cartier has produced some fine mechanical wristwatches but in the 1990s the Parisian brand was primarily known for its quartz watches. The Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP) with its haute horlogerie mechanical movements and archived based designs had to put Cartier back on the map as a premier Manufacture. 

The Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir has been launched in 1998 in this spirit as part of the much sought-after CPCP-collection and has been available in very limited numbers until 2008. It soon became a reference point in the history of fine watchmaking due to its caliber 045MC produced by THA Èbauche. A collaborative movement manufacture – founded in 1996 – consisting of three of the biggest names in independent watchmaking: Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet (founder of De Bethune) and François-Paul Journe. 

Dating back to 1912, its design derives from the first ever Tortue created by Louis Cartier. Inspired by the Tonneau it is known for its distinguishably elegant, rounded form.

The Watch

This manual-winding, 18K yellow gold medium-sized Cartier Monopoussoir is part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris and was produced in a limited numbers. Elegance and a vintage feel are combined in the rosette guilloché patterned dial design, blued steel Breguet style hands and a black round minute track as an homage to the Tortue Monopoussoirs of the twenties. 

The watch features two sub-dials: one displaying the running seconds and the other serving as a 30-minute chronograph timer. Encircling the outer part of the dial is a railroad minute track, mirroring the subdial borders and creating a striking contrast with the white guilloché dial. The subdials, outer minute track, and Breguet-style Roman numerals are meticulously detailed in dark black ink, while the blued steel hands introduce a subtle touch of color.

As expected, the dial proudly carries the inscription "Cartier Paris", paying homage to earlier pieces from the early 20th century that featured the city's name below the brand. The dial itself is crafted from 18-carat gold, showcasing a central rose motif just below the hands, radiating into a traditional guilloché pattern. The black ink-stamped rail track and Roman numerals seamlessly blend into the dial's aesthetics, while the legible Breguet-style hands are finished in blued steel.

The Tortue case exhibits graceful, curved lines and polished surfaces throughout. Its dimensions measure 34mm by 43mm (lug to lug), striking a balance between a timeless appearance and contemporary preferences. 

The Movement

The Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir 2356, houses a mechanical hand-wound chronograph movement – calibre 045MC – with a lever escapement and clever clutch system, guaranteeing a serene hand gliding across the dial, suppressing the ‘jolt’ (skipping of the hand at the beginning of a translation movement) thanks the double swivel pen.

This transmission of motion of the second wheel of the base movement to the chronograph’s central wheel, as well as the stunningly workshop-crafted parts, is visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back. The traditionally bushed and circular-grained bottomplate, at the heart of movement, is in perfect harmony with the intertwined double C cipher of Cartier engraved on the bridges.

The 22-jewel manual-winding movement has a power reserve of 40 hours, with a balance beating at 21,600 A/h. Overall, the 045MC caliber is a great work of art with strong design heritage and has only been used for the various Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir models, the Tank Monopoussoir and the De Bethune Monopoussoir.

How it wears

Exhibiting the inherent grace and elegance characteristic of the Cartier Tortue, this watch immediately captures one's attention. The watch rests seamlessly and boasts a remarkable appearance. The effortless and refined design, along with its comfortable fit, renders it a highly appealing watch suitable for everyday wear. 

Condition & set

This Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir is in unpolished condition with light signs of wear. It comes as a full set, with signature red Cartier CPCP box and complementing papers.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium

Reference	2356
Movement	Manual Wound
Caliber	Calibre 045MC
Dial	White Rosette guilloché
Size (Case)	34mm X 43mm
Material (Case)	Yellow gold
Bracelet	Mr WATCHLEY Saffiano Copper
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Very good
Year	2000
Papers	Yes
Box	Yes
Warranty	2 years