Cartier Ceinture in 18k Yellow Gold, Paris dial, LM - mechanical movement - box & papers

Maker: Cartier
Model: Ceinture
Year: late 1970’s
Dial: White Lacquer Paris dial
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 27mm by 27.5mm diameter; 6.6mm thickness
Case serial: 780994384
Caliber: Manual caliber 78-1
Service history: January 2024, +12.1 seconds per day
Bracelet/Strap: Original Must de Cartier black alligator strap (in worn condition). Comes also with Cartier gold plated pin buckle
Lug Width: 17mm
Box/Papers: Cartier outer/inner box, Louis Cartier collection certificate of guarantee, and other papers. 

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, leaving us truly amazed.

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 no major scratches and likely has never 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 only" 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 and is only visible at an angle. The original crystal has some minor scratches. The original black painted numerals is in beautiful condition. The caliber 78-1 movement has been serviced this year. It is currently running well at +12.1 seconds per day. The watch comes with its original Must de Cartier branded black alligator strap (in worn condition) and gold plated Cartier pin buckle. The watch with its original box, guarantee holder, certificate of guarantee (dated 1982), and papers. 

Ships from Japan