Cartier Ellipse Medium Size

A solid eighteen carat gold Cartier Ellipse dress watch. This is an elegant and classic wristwatch, in superb unpolished condition. The double oval case perfectly frames the immediately recognizable clean, white enamel Roman "Paris" signed dial with outer round chapter ring in excellent condition with no crazing. The classic blued steel trademark Cartier hands that are seen across the line are also used here. As is the iconic cabochon sapphire set winding crown. 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, Gondole and this; the Ellipse. Initially introduced in two distinct case sizes - a 23 mm, this the 32.5 mm variation. It came in white gold, yellow gold as well as a rare white and yellow mix, with the white being much more rare. This example presented here is the largest size example at 32.5mm by 29mm. Given its greater east-west shape, it will suit most wrist sizes. The screw back case back has a number of markings. There is the full Cartier stamped reference number located below 'Paris'. There is a fine 'Swiss Made' and '18k' to the left edge, and at the top the 'Cartier' signature itself. Inside the case is the Minerva head mark for eighteen carat gold, along with '18k 750' and the hammer head makers mark with number "112" for makers Guillod Gunther SA, a luxury watch case maker still in operation today with over one hundred and fifty years of experience. This watch is powered by the Cartier ETA-made caliber 78.1 manual wound movement. 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, 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 excellent condition with no crazing to it, as is sometimes found on models from this period. Please note the original crystal has some scratching to it. 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.