Launched as part of the 1977 Must de Cartier initiative to provide an accessible tier during the quartz crisis, this Vendôme model is constructed from vermeil, a process of applying gold plating directly over a 925 sterling silver base. The cream dial features black printed Roman numerals and an inner minute track, maintaining the brand's standard typographic layout beneath blued-steel sword hands.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Great Condition, Medium Wear Production: est. 1990's Contents: Watch Only Genre: Neo-Vintage Dress Watch
Size: 24mm Thickness: approx. 9mm Lug Width: approx. 14mm
Case: Vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver), mirrored, medium wear Bezel: Vermeil, mirrored, medium wear Dial: Cream "spider" dial (patinated),printed numerals and tracks, medium wear Hands: Blued-steel, sword hands
Crown: Vermeil push/pull crown, medium wear Crystal: Mineral crystal, minor wear Bracelet: Afermarket leather strap,medium wear Caseback: Steel, solid, screw caseback Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche