Cartier Cristallor 18k Yellow Gold, LM size, Paris Dial - box & guarantee (Price on Request)

Maker: Cartier
Model: Cristallor
Size: LM (large size for men's)
Year: late 1970’s
Dial: original White Lacquer Paris dial
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 35mm by 28mm diameter; 6mm thickness
Case serial: 780960xxx
Caliber: Manual caliber 78-1
Service history: June 2022, +30.8 seconds per day
Bracelet/Strap: Jean Rousseau Paris Alligator strap with Cartier stamped 18k yellow gold deployant buckle. Comes also with Cartier stamped gold plated deployant clasp (which is installed on strap).
Lug Width: 17mm
Box/Papers: Box and certificate of guarantee

Based on old Japanese Cartier brochures that we have in possession, the Cristallor was introduced to Cartier's offerings in the early to mid 1970s as 1 of 12 special "shaped" watches that formed part of the “Louis Cartier Collection”. This 12 shape Tank collection included such familiar models such as the Ellipse, Bamboo, Ceinture, Gondollo, and Stepped Tank. The Cristallor is thought to be one of the rarest of them all due to the relatively low production numbers. The serial numbers for the Cristallor is very tight - within three digits of one another - and it is understood that fewer than 1000 were produced. The large size Cristallor's all have a serial number starting with 780960 (which we have on offer here) while the smaller size  all start with 780950.

Featuring an octagonal case with a thick triple-stepped bezel that frames its white lacquer Paris-signed dial, the Cristallor stands as a beautiful example of Cartier’s uncanny ability to create some refreshingly unique designs that broke from the traditional norms of the time in which they were born. With hidden lugs and an attractively sized 35mm by 28mm "jumbo" case, the LM size Cristallor sits on the wrist with a contemporary poise that has certainly survived the test of time.

The large size Cristallor is rare and not many of these surface in the open market. Furthermore, once a hidden gem, the word about the beauty of this watch has spread and the Cristallor has come under the spotlight in the past year with demand surging.This is a chance to own one of the most in-demand vintage Cartier model in excellent condition and with great provenance coming from a established Japanese collector.

This Cartier Cristallor is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong and its unique triple stepped bezel is in unpolished condition. The case has just minor surface scratches-consistent with a watch of this age. For a Cartier from this era, the case is in phenomenal condition. The dial is the original Paris signed white lacquered dial which is very 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 using a loupe. The original black painted numerals is in beautiful condition. The caliber 78-1 movement has been checked by our watchmaker and is currently running well at +30.8 seconds per day. The watch comes with a custom made alligator strap from Jean Rousseau Paris fitted with a Cartier stamped gold plated deployant clasp used by the previous owner. It also comes with its original 18k yellow gold deployant buckle. The watch also comes with its original Cartier Paris box and guarantee holder and guarantee papers.

Ships from Japan