Cartier Mini Tortue Yellow Gold Ref. 78247, 1980s

Identity Cartier Tortue Mini model Ref. 78247, 18-carat yellow gold, 1980s. Manual-winding mechanical movement. Tortue case in 18-carat yellow gold, 21 × 26 mm, sapphire cabochon crown. White dial signed Cartier Paris, black Roman numerals, railway minute track, blued glaive hands, secret Cartier signature at 7 o'clock. Mineral crystal. Alligator strap, gold-plated Cartier pin buckle. Horological context Designed by Louis Cartier in 1912, the Tortue is the maison's third shaped watch, after the Santos (1904) and the Tonneau (1906), and predates the Tank. Its name comes from its softly curved tonneau silhouette, evoking a tortoise shell. It brings together the codes that would become the Cartier signature: Roman numerals, railway minute track, blued glaive hands, cabochon crown. First a simple watch, it also lent itself to complications — including the 1928 single-button chronograph. Declined in many sizes and materials, from gold to full diamond setting, it remains one of the house's most sought-after shapes. Character The Roman numerals follow the curve of the tortue case, drawing closer at the ends of the tonneau. The Paris signature on the dial sets this piece apart from the Must line, and marks its production by Cartier Paris. Serviced. Very good condition. Supplied with the maker's box and the 24-month Contre-Temps warranty certificate.