Thanks for visiting! We are SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

CARTIER

With a long history of sales to royalty, "the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers." Cartier is one of the most prestigious jewelry manufacturers in the world. Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, Cartier International SNC, is a French luxury goods conglomerate which designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells high-end watches, jewelry and leather goods. 

“Cartier watches are not just a symbol of luxury and sophistication; they are a piece of history.”

By the early 1900s, Cartier made one of its most significant creations, they designed their first men’s wristwatch with the needs of pilots in mind. Inspired by his close friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont, a pioneer in aviation for whom the watch is named. The distinctive timepiece featured a flat shape and a square bezel, and it became known as the Santos.

Later in 1907, Cartier began a partnership with Edmond Jaeger of the prominent watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre. Jaeger agreed to be the exclusive supplier of movements for Cartier watches. By this time, the brand was gaining momentum and widespread popularity. That same year, they opened boutiques in London, New York City, and St. Petersburg. As their global presence grew, they started emerging as one of the most successful watch companies in the world.

Following the death of Louis-Francois Cartier’s grandson Pierre in 1964, the remaining family members decided to sell the family business. By 1972, a group of investors led by Joseph Kanoui had bought the company. In the years following the acquisition, Cartier remained a leader in the watchmaking industry.

For over 150 years, Cartier has maintained an unparalleled reputation in the watchmaking industry. Their one-of-a-kind aesthetic and commitment to excellence have allowed them to be highly regarded by peers and collectors alike. The company maintains its headquarters in Paris, although it is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. Cartier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries, with three Temples (Historical Maisons) in London, New York, and Paris.

Cartier has an extensive history with watchmaking and design, and they’ve pioneered many trends and innovations in the watch industry as well. 

Must de Cartier 

Paris 

Roman Numerals 

Mechanical Wristwatch

Les Must de Cartier means: Cartier, It's a Must.

Former Cartier President Robert Hocq coined the phrase to describe how sought after Cartier jewelry and watches were. In 1976, Cartier launched the collection of watches under the “Les Must de Cartier” brand name.

A magnificent timepiece which will always hold value, this is a beautiful vintage Must de Cartier Paris mechanical wristwatch dated from the late 1970s or early 1980s. A classic watch built to last! 

It is a manual wind watch powered by mechanical setting-lever pin movement caliber ETA 2512/1, 17 jewels, 44 hours power reserve, 21,600 A/h, Swiss made. Just SERVICED – APRIL 2024.

It has the classic and large 23x30mm tank case, all-in gold-plated silver (925 Plaque OR G 20M). Original Cartier crown with sapphire cabochon crystal. 

The original cream dial with black Roman Numerals, bold railroad minute/second track and black hands. The dial is also signed “must de Cartier.”

It comes on a new-old-stock black two-piece leather strap. It will fit a wrist up to 6 3/4" (17.2 cm).

This is a very attractive looking wristwatch, it is good condition. Runs very well and keeping great time!

Thank you for looking!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.  

IMPORTANT – Please be prepared to stand behind any offer you make.  Once we accept an offer, it takes the product off of the market for us AND other buyers.  If you are considering making an offer and would like to know if we would accept a price, please simply message us and ask PRIOR to making the offer.  We ask that you please make a formal offer only once you are committed to the offer.    

Movement: 

CARTIER INC. 

78-1 

Seventeen 17 Jewels 

Unadjusted

Cal. 2512-1

Swiss

Case Back Markers:

Cartier

Paris

925

Argent

Plaque OR G 20M

Swiss

6 184421  

Measurements (mm):

Case 23x30   

Case Diameter w/Crown 26  

Case Lug to Lug 30.5 

Case Thickness 6.5 

Lug Width 17 

Band Width 18    

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size. 

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that. 

The condition is pre-owned.  
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have. 

It will be carefully packed. 

Please view our other listings. 

Thank you for looking! 

Please, if you have Zero or Low feedback, please contact us prior.

Please be aware that the item you are bidding on or purchasing is a VINTAGE item. If this item is a watch, unless otherwise noted, it is keeping accurate time over a 2–4-hour time period. We specialize in watches that are 20-100 years old, and as such, these items are previously worn, and the quality of the item WILL reflect that. Expect for a vintage timepiece to have blemishes... this is part of what gives these amazing pieces their charm. Further, unless a watch specifically says that it has been recently serviced, expect that at some point in time, this timepiece will need a professional servicing in order to run and keep excellent time, which is also part of the experience of owning any mechanical watch. If an extremely accurate, worry-free experience is what you are seeking, we would recommend purchasing a new quartz watch. Very few, if any, vintage watches will keep as accurate time as a modern quartz watch.

We do our absolute best to take accurate photographs of our items and to show any blemishes.

Examples of common characteristics of a vintage timepiece are:
-imperfections on the crystal
-imperfections on case
-imperfections on the lugs
-unless stated that the strap is new, the leather is often quite old and may need replacing in the future
-metal bracelets may not include all of the links that the watch originally may have come with, but can be replaced with a bracelet or strap of your choosing

If the item is a piece of vintage jewelry, be aware that the item may have some minor blemishes such as:
-missing stones (view photos, we will NEVER photoshop in a missing stone or piece)
-minor scratches or discoloration
-fading of plating
-fading of paint

We do our best to take accurate photos and provide accurate descriptions.  Please take time to view our high-resolution photos of the item, and please ask any questions you may have prior to placing your bid.  We want this purchasing experience to be pleasant and surprise-free.  Vintage and antique items, unless "new old stock", have been around the block a time or two. 

Thank you for your business!  We hope to see you return in the future!