Today's showcases this scarce and pleasing vintage ladies Cartier Ellipse dress watch. The Ellipse was one of Cartier's classic and distinctive designs introduced circa the late 1960's and made in various forms up until around the turn of the millennium.

This all-original vintage example features an iconic solid 18K gold ellipse case, classic white Roman dial with blue steel hands, and sapphire topped crown. It is easily recognizable across the room as a gold Cartier.

Powering it is a handwound Cartier mechanism. Before cost-cutting measures brought about the widespread use of cheaper quartz movements for certain wristwatches, Cartier utilized Swiss-crafted mechanical movements. Because of this extra care and craftsmanship, Cartier wristwatches with mechanical movements are often considered more desirable than their quartz counterparts.

We were fortunate to acquire the watch in 100% original condition down to the original solid 18K gold buckle (the buckle itself is a $350+ value). We have replaced its worn original Cartier strap with a brand new Cartier strap and installed the original buckle.

It is in excellent condition with clear original markings. The back has light remnants of wear. On the wrist it presents as mint.

Its untouched original dial is just short of perfect mint with very slight aging visible under magnification.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is running strong and true - it continues to keep time on par with a new Cartier in our testing position.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Manufacturer: Cartier
• Model: Ladies Ellipse (Mechanical)
• Serial no.: 080765403
• Functions: Hours, Minutes
• Designed for: Women
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): Cartier, Paris, 080765403, AU 0.750, precious metal hallmark
• Case condition: Excellent condition with clear original markings. The back has light remnants of wear. On the wrist it presents as mint.
• Dimensions: 25mm wide (excluding the crown) x 23mm long, 7mm thick
• Dial: White with painted black radial Roman numerals, secret Cartier signature at 10, inner minute track. Blued steel épée hands. Original, just short of perfect mint with very slight aging visible under magnification
• Hands: Original, blue steel 'epees'
• Movement type: Signed Cartier, mechanical, manually wound, 17 Jewels, shock resistant
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Must de Cartier, brand new and unused, with original solid 18K gold Cartier tang buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true - it continues to keep time on par with a new Cartier in our testing position. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide