Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir YG 2004 CPCP Full set

Maker: Cartier

Model: Tortue Monopoussoir from the Collection Privee Cartier Paris (CPCP)

Reference: 2356B

Year: 2004

Dial: Original white guilloche dial with painted Arabic numerals, circular minute track, and blued steel hands Breguet hands.

Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold with crown set with blue sapphire cabochon

Case Dimensions: 35mm width x43mm length, thickness 10mm

Case serial: number 128 out of 150

Caliber: Manual wind caliber 045MC

Service history:  Complete servicing by Cartier in May 2020

Bracelet/Strap: original brown leather Cartier strap and 18k gold buckle 

Lug Width: 18mm

Box/Papers: yes. Original box, certificate of guarantee (purchase date 2004), booklet and user manual. Comes with Cartier papers for servicing done in May, 2020

This is the highly sought after CPCP (Cartier Paris Collection Privee) Tortue Monopoussoir in yellow gold, limited to just 150 pieces. This particular reference was inspired by the vintage Tortue Monopoussoir from 1928.

This is the large model Tortue MP. There were three different dial variations of the modern reinterpretation of the (large) Tortue MP. The first, being sold here, is the ref 2356 which was produced in yellow gold and had a circular dial pattern, similar to the original vintage reference. The second was the ref 2396 offered in white gold. This variation also had a circular design but unlinke the YG, had no Roman numerals except at the 12. The third and final variation was the ref 2714, offered in both yellow gold and white gold. This reference did not have the circular design and the Roman numerals extend to the edge of the dial. All of these references employed the legendary Calibre 045MC that was produced by THA Èbauche. THA was a collaborative movement manufacture by Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet (founder of De Bethune), and François-Paul Journe, before their respective brands became household names.

The combination of the design of this piece and the Calibre 045MC made by three of the most respected independent watchmakers today makes this Cartier a truly special watch that holds a place in horological history. An interview by Phillips with Denis Flageollet about the movement can be seen here https://www.phillips.com/article/47810567/revisiting-the-cartier-monopoussoir-cpcp-with-francois-paul-journe-and-denis-flageollet-two-of-its-creators

Originally purchased in 2004, this piece is in mint condition. The movement went through a complete servicing by Cartier this year as the chrono function previously had issues. The hallmarks and numbers on the caseback is crisp. It comes with its original box, an extra mahogany box to hold the Cartier Loupe that came with this piece, guarantees and papers.