Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir - 2396 - Full set

The Watch There are few designs within Cartier’s repertoire that carry such quiet authority as the Tortue Monopoussoir. In 2026, Cartier returned to this form within its Cartier Privé line, offering a contemporary interpretation directly inspired by the revered CPCP models of the late 1990s and early 2000s. For many collectors, this particular aesthetic defined by its beaded hour markers and the commanding oversized Roman numeral XII represents one of the most elegant and complete expressions of the Tortue. That modern revival, while beautifully executed, serves only to underscore the enduring purity and desirability of the original. The present example, dating to circa 2003 and crafted in 18K white gold, belongs to the celebrated Collection Privée Cartier Paris, a period that marked a decisive return to mechanical watchmaking at the highest level. Produced in limited numbers, it captures a rare balance between historical fidelity and refined restraint. The dial, executed in solid gold, is adorned with a central rosette guilloché that radiates outward in a traditional pattern, lending both depth and gentle dynamism to the composition. Its aesthetic is defined by nuance. An inky blue railroad minute track encircles the dial, echoed by the borders of the twin subdials, creating a sense of cohesion that feels both deliberate and effortless. Blued steel Breguet hands introduce a restrained flash of colour, while the Roman numerals rendered in matching blue retain a classical poise. The signature “Cartier Paris” inscription anchors the dial in its historical lineage, a subtle yet meaningful tribute to the maison’s early 20th-century creations. The monopoussoir chronograph layout remains faithful to its origins. Two subdials one for running seconds, the other a 30-minute counter are arranged with clarity and balance, preserving the elegance of the original 1920s executions. Surrounding them, the interplay of guilloché textures and clean printed elements creates a dial that rewards close attention without ever feeling ornate. The Tortue case itself is a study in curvature and proportion. Measuring 34mm by 43mm, it offers a presence that is both substantial and refined. Its gently arched profile and polished surfaces allow light to move fluidly across its form, reinforcing the organic softness that defines the model. The Movement If the exterior speaks to Cartier’s design mastery, the movement reveals an altogether deeper layer of horological significance. Few watches can claim a lineage shaped by the hands of François-Paul Journe, Denis Flageollet, and Vianney Halter, three of the most influential independent watchmakers of the modern era. Before their names became synonymous with individual excellence, their talents converged under the banner of Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA), a short-lived yet profoundly important chapter in contemporary watchmaking. It is from this collaboration that the calibre 045MC was born. Developed specifically for the Tortue Monopoussoir, this manually wound movement is composed of 157 components and constructed with a clarity that allows its operation to be appreciated in full. The chronograph mechanism incorporates a clutch system and double swivel pin, eliminating the abrupt jump often associated with chronograph seconds hands. The result is an action of remarkable smoothness each engagement precise, controlled, and deeply satisfying. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, the calibre balances technical refinement with everyday usability. Yet it is in its finishing that the movement truly reveals its character. Straight and circular graining interplay across wheels and levers, while the baseplate is adorned with perlage. The bridges, defined by careful anglage, are engraved with the Cartier double-C motif, a quiet reminder that this is as much an object of artistry as it is of engineering. This is not merely a movement; it is a convergence of three philosophies, captured at a singular moment in time. How It Wears There is an undeniable sense of presence to the Tortue Monopoussoir, yet it never seeks to impose. Its proportions are measured, its curves deliberate, allowing it to sit naturally against the wrist. The caseback’s gentle arc, combined with the flowing lines of the Tortue form, gives the watch an almost organic quality as though it settles rather than rests. Despite its historical and mechanical depth, it wears with an ease that feels instinctive. There is a quiet confidence here. A richness that does not rely on excess, but on proportion, detail, and lineage. It is, in many ways, the embodiment of Cartier’s enduring identity elegant, composed, and unmistakably assured. Condition & Set This example is presented in very good overall condition, showing only light signs of wear consistent with careful use. It is offered as a full set, complete with its original red CPCP presentation box and accompanying papers, as well as its original Cartier white gold folding clasp an appropriately refined finishing touch. Origin Since its founding in 1847, Cartier has occupied a unique position at the intersection of watchmaking and design. Yet by the late 20th century, it was the Collection Privée Cartier Paris that would reaffirm the maison’s commitment to haute horlogerie. The Tortue itself traces its origins to 1912, when it became only the third wristwatch design created by Louis Cartier. Inspired by the tonneau form yet softer in execution, its distinctive curves set it apart from the more rigid geometries of its contemporaries. It would later become one of the earliest Cartier designs to house a complication, culminating in the monopoussoir chronographs of the 1920s watches defined by their elegant simplicity and technical ingenuity. When Cartier revisited this legacy within the CPCP collection, the Tortue Monopoussoir was an inevitable choice. Produced in yellow, pink, and white gold, these limited pieces would come to define an era one in which historical reverence and mechanical ambition were brought back into harmony. Today, they stand not only as exceptional timepieces, but as markers of a pivotal moment in Cartier’s history. Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set * 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 No stock kept on site Reference 2396 Movement Manual Wound Caliber Calibre 045MC Dial Silver Guilloché Size (Case) 43mm x 34mm Material (Case) White gold Bracelet Mr Watchley Grained midnight blue Buckle Cartier white gold folding buckle Condition Good Year 2003 Papers Yes Box Yes Warranty 2 years