Cartier Colisée Yellow Gold and diamonds Ref. 881092, 1990s

Identity Cartier Colisée Ref. 881092, 18-carat yellow gold and diamonds, 1990s. Quartz movement. 18-carat yellow gold case, 24 mm, bezel pavé-set with a triple row of diamonds, T-shaped diamond-set lugs, diamond-set crown. White dial signed Cartier, Roman numerals, blued glaive hands. Sapphire crystal. Turquoise alligator strap, 18-carat yellow gold Cartier folding clasp. Horological context Cartier — "the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers", in the phrase attributed to King Edward VII — made the watch a jewel from the early twentieth century. The Colisée is one expression of this: a round ladies' watch from the Cartier Paris line. Its most recognisable feature is the T-shaped lugs linking case to strap, inspired by the pearl chokers fashionable in the Art déco years. The line comes in yellow, white or rose gold, with a plain or lacquered Roman-numeral dial, on a gold bracelet or interchangeable leather; the dressiest versions carry a diamond-set bezel, lugs and crown. Character Between watchmaking and jewellery, this Colisée offers bezel and lugs as a setting of diamonds that encircles the dial almost without interruption. The turquoise leather lifts the whole with brilliance and elegance. Serviced. Very good condition. Supplied with the maker's box and the 24-month Contre-Temps warranty certificate.