Cartier Ceinture ref 78099 LM size, Paris dial, 18k yellow gold - mechanical wind 78-1

Maker: Cartier
Model: Ceinture
Year: 1970’s
Dial: White Lacquer Paris dial
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 27mm by 27.5mm diameter; 6.6mm thickness
Case serial: 780992690
Caliber: Manual caliber 78-1
Service history: November 2025, -9.8 seconds per day
Bracelet/Strap: Comes with two straps - brand new Cartier burgundy leather strap and generic calf epsom strap. Cartier gold plated pin buckle
Lug Width: 16mm
Box/Papers: Cartier Box only

The Ceinture was originally introduced by Cartier in 1927. Over 50 years later, during the early 1970's, Cartier reintroduced the Ceinture as one of 12 special "shaped" watches that formed part of the “Louis Cartier Collection”. This 12 shape Tank collection included familiar models such as the Ellipse, Cristallor, Gondollo, and Stepped Tank. The word Ceinture in French translates to "belt", and the watch was named as such given its resemblance to the buckle of a belt. Made of 18k yellow gold, the octagonal case has a beautiful double stepped bezel and the manual wind 78-1 caliber can be wound by a flat octagonal crown. The present example here is the Ceinture in LM size which was produced for men's. At 27mm x 27.5mm and 6.6mm thick, for Cartier purists, the LM size Ceinture is the preferred size compared to the ladies SM size or the XL Jumbo size which was powered by an automatic movement. The Ceinture stands as a perfect example of why Cartier is often referred to as the "master of shapes". The maison's astonishing talent lies in crafting refreshingly unique designs that defy the traditional norms of their era.

This Cartier Ceinture in the LM (large size) is in overall excellent condition. The 18k gold octagonal case is strong and its unique double stepped bezel is in fantastic condition. The case has some surface scratches - expected from a watch of this age. The case maintains its beautiful lines and likely hasn't been polished. For a Cartier from this era, the case along with its octagonal crown is in excellent condition. The dial is the original Paris signed white lacquered dial which is rare given most dials get replaced by Cartier during servicing to a "Swiss made" service dial. As with the vast majority of Cartier white lacquered dials produced in the 70's, the dial has formed some cracks but nothing major. The original black painted numerals is in beautiful condition. The caliber 78-1 movement was serviced by the previous owner in 2025. It is currently running well at +9.9 seconds per day. The watch comes with two straps, a brand new Cartier alligator burgundy strap along with a calf leather epsom strap. It also comes with a Cartier gold plated pin buckle. The watch also comes with a Cartier box.

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