Cartier Gondole Automatic Medium Size

A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Gondole. This model was part of the big shift in the late 1970's early 1980’s to increase the offering of the Cartier watch collection. There were a vast number of new models such as the Ceinture, Faberge, Cristallor, and this; the Gondole. Initially introduced in three distinct case sizes - a 21.5 mm, and this the automatic 27 mm variation. The following year, the collection expanded further with the release of a jumbo 34 mm version, allowing wearers to choose the Gondole that best suited their personal style. It came in white gold as well as yellow, with the white being much more rare. This example presented here is the medium size example at 27mm by 31mm. This is fantastic, larger format size and will suit those who like a larger scale watch. The big shift in this watch was the movement selected for the mid-size model. The watch is powered by the Cartier, ETA-made caliber 76 automatic movement, hence the bump in the case back, produced in order to make space for the rotor. Introduced in 1971, the ETA calibre 2671 is a remarkably compact Swiss automatic movement developed primarily for smaller wristwatches. Measuring just 17.2mm in diameter and 4.8mm in height, its dimensions made it particularly well suited to the smaller and more unusually shaped cases favored by Cartier during the latter part of the twentieth century. The 2671 belongs to ETA’s long-running 2600 family and was a relatively sophisticated small automatic for its period. It operates at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, with automatic winding, central seconds and a quick-setting date mechanism. Depending on the period and specification, examples can be found with 17, 21 or 25 jewels. Cartier adopted the ETA 2671 as the basis for movements used in a number of its smaller automatic watches. Its appeal was practical rather than decorative: compact, dependable and readily serviceable, it allowed Cartier considerable freedom in case design without sacrificing the convenience of an automatic movement. The calibre continued to have an unusually long life, and versions of the 2671 remained in production decades after its introduction, testament to the strength of the original design It has the classic design elements: The less common and more desirable "Paris" signed dial is archetypal Cartier: Roman numerals, chemin de fer minute track, hidden signature at seven o'clock and features the iconic sword-shaped blued steel hands. This model did not come with a date window. This creates a cleaner, simplified look overall. The dial is in good condition with siight crazing to it. This is most often found on the dials on models from this period. . The watch is presented in good original condition, unpolished with strong lines and clean throughout. There are some signs of light wear, but nothing distracting. These are wonderful cases to wear. They offer a very unique and different perspective to the classic line of watches like the Tank and the Santos. Also, no longer being in the line today gives them a more rare feel. The watch is presented on its original Cartier alligator watch band and a gold plated Cartier Tang buckle. There are no papers or box with the watch. The service history is unknown, but the watch is running well keeping good time. A Foundwell one year warranty will accompany the sale of the watch.