Cartier Colisée Yellow Gold and Diamonds Ref. 8057923 C, 1990s

Price upon request

Identity

Cartier Colisée, Ref. 8057923 C, 1990s. Quartz movement. Round 18-carat yellow gold case, 24 mm, smooth bezel, T-shaped diamond-set lugs, diamond-set crown. White dial signed Cartier, Roman numerals, blued glaive hands. Mineral crystal. Articulated 18-carat yellow gold bracelet, signed Cartier double folding clasp.

Horological context

Cartier — "the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers", in the phrase attributed to King Edward VII — made the watch a jewel from the early twentieth century. The Colisée is one expression of this: a round ladies' watch from the Cartier Paris line. Its most recognisable feature is the T-shaped lugs linking case to strap, inspired by the pearl chokers fashionable in the Art déco years. The line comes in yellow, white or rose gold, with a plain or lacquered Roman-numeral dial, on a gold bracelet or interchangeable leather; the dressiest versions carry a diamond-set bezel, lugs and crown.

Character

All in gold, this Colisée sets its diamonds on the attachments of its T-shaped lugs, in two tight rows on either side of the case. The broad, polished smooth bezel leaves the white dial and its Roman numerals to carry contrast and legibility, the secret Cartier signature hidden within the numeral X. The articulated bracelet, with its interlocking links, carries on from the case without a break, supple as a jewel.

Serviced watch. Very good condition. Delivered with the brand box and the Contre-Temps 24-month warranty certificate.