Designed personally by Louis Cartier in 1912 and patterned after a tortoise, the Tortue went on to become a Cartier classic that is still made today. The new ladies Tortue retails for $11,900 and doesn't have the charm of this vintage original.

Today's offering showcases this beautiful and all original vintage example. It features an iconic solid 18K gold tortue case, classic white Roman dial with blue steel hands, sapphire topped crown.

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 strap and original solid 18K gold buckle (the buckle itself is a $350+ value). We have replaced its worn original Cartier strap with a new strap and installed the original buckle.

It is in gorgeous condition. The case is just short of mint with clear markings. It is all original down to the gold case screws which are often lost during servicing or worn out from previous opening. The dial is original and better than near mint.

Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the movement. 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 Tank (Mechanical)
• Serial no.: 782470082
• Functions: Hours, Minutes
• Designed for: Women
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): Cartier, Paris, 782470878
• Case condition: Presents as just short of mint with a few tiny hairlines to the center of the back from the buckle contacting it. All markings are very strong and clear.
• Dimensions: 21mm x 26mm
• Dial: White with painted black radial Roman numerals, secret Cartier signature at 7, inner minute track. Blued steel épée hands. Original, better than near mint condition
• Hands: Original, blue steel 'epees'
• Movement type: Signed Cartier, mechanical, manually wound, 17 Jewels, shock resistant
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Original Cartier with moderate wear and original solid 18K gold Cartier tang buckle. Please inquire if you would like a brand new aftermarket band installed.
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Serviced: Yes, freshly fully cleaned and oiled.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. 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 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