148 Cartier Unique and EXTRA-LARGE Cartier Tortue in platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch number 1

Estimate: €45,000 –⁠ 90,000

Model: Tortue Perpetual Calenda
Material: Platinum
Reference N°: W1540551
Case N°: 2171 Pezzo N°1
Caliber: 9421
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 34 x 43
Signed: Dial, Case and movement
Accessories: Expertise

One of the rarest and most fascinating pieces in the Cartier Privée collection is undoubtedly the present Cartier Tortue Quantième Perpétuel ref. W1540551. The production of these watches is already extremely limited, therefore, the fact that this specific watch is the number 1, as reported by the engravings on the back with sapphire glass able to show the movement, makes the present lot a sensational piece. Absolutely desirable, this can be an almost unique opportunity to own what was the first example to come out of the Cartier laboratories. In addition to its rarity relative to the production phase, what makes the Cartier Tortue Quantième Perpétuel unique is its combination of features. First of all, the massive platinum case is significantly bigger than the classic Tortue models, and this obviously derives from the complications it contains. It is in fact, as the name suggests, a perpetual calendar, with caliber 9421, based on a Girard Perregaux movement equipped with a Dubois Depraz perpetual calendar module. To help us in reading this complicated movement there’s the beautiful dial with a splendid guilloché decoration, the large, black and easily visible Roman numerals with secret signature at 7 o’clock and the four subsidiary dials that indicate the month combined with the display of the year leap, the day, date and 24 hour dial for the second time zone. An expression of watchmaking at the highest levels, this Cartier is what is called “once in a lifetime”. Accompanied by an expertise with all watch information.