Cartier Cristallor 18k Yellow Gold, early Paris Dial and hidden lug case, SM size with 18k gold deployant buckle

Maker: Cartier
Model: Cristallor
Year: early to mid 1970’s
Dial: White Lacquer Paris dial
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold (hidden lug case construction)
Dimensions: 24.5mm by 30mm diameter; 6mm thickness
Case serial: 780950035
Caliber: Manual caliber 78-1
Service history: October 2023, +1.3 seconds per day
Bracelet/Strap: generic Alligator strap with original Cartier stamped 18k yellow gold deployant buckle.
Lug Width: 14mm
Box/Papers: Only Cartier box

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 one 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, 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 and within three digits of one another and it is understood that fewer than 1000 were produced, or at least not too many more than that. The large size Cristallor's all have a serial number starting with 780960 while the smaller size (which we have on offer here) 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 24.5 x 30mm case, the Cristallor SM has a great wrist presence and can be worn both by men's and women's. This is the earlier variant of the Cristallor which has a hidden lug case construction (the latter had normal lugs). The Paris dial is also different between the early and later variant with the Cartier logo and Roman numeral tracks being slightly different between the two.

This Cartier Cristallor SM size is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong and its unique triple stepped bezel is in fantastic condition. The case may have been lightly polished in the past but has no major scratches and is looking very sharp for a watch of this age. The original Paris dial is in overall great condition with just small blemishes along the edge of the dial which is barely noticeable. The black painted numerals are in beautiful condition. The white lacquer dial itself is free of any major cracks. The caliber 78-1 movement has been serviced in October 2023 and is currently running well at +1.3 seconds per day. The watch comes with a generic alligator strap and Cartier stamped 18k yellow gold deployant buckle. The current strap and deployant clasp configuration can fit up to a 16.5 cm wrist size. Due to the presence of the large case size, this Cristallor SM size can easily be worn by men.

The wrist short on the photos were taken on a man with a wrist size of 16.5cm.

Ships from Japan