A solid eighteen carat three colour gold Cartier Trinity wristwatch. An absolutely stunning, rare and high quality piece of horology meets jewellery. Such can be the quality and design expertise when Cartier set their minds to creating new shapes and case designs that they become a crossover between a jewellery piece, and a watch. This watch is a very creative addition to the brand's extensive collection which originated from the 'Trinity' gold wedding band, or a Russian wedding ring, as they are sometimes known. On this occasion making the watch case from this three band design, and setting it on a stunning and unusual beaded gold bracelet.
When this watch was launched it was part of a collection of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that all were modeled around interlocking gold bands of white, yellow and pink, or rose gold. As a result of which this case features that interlocking three colour gold design element. It was very beautifully executed by the Cartier design team, as one would imagine. The three bands work seamlessly to create the case around the stunning guilloché, diamond set dial.
The dial is very unusual, and quite unique to this watch. Instead of the classic design cues, this time the dial is completely plain with twelve beautiful diamonds set as the hour markers. There is a fine guilloché pattern that is meticulously engraved into the dial which is not immediately apparent. Being that the colour is a soft eggshell colour enamel, it is only when turning the watch to catch the light that the pattern grabs the attention of the eye and responds in a stunning way. The dial is signed "Swiss" below the six o'clock marker, with "Cartier" floating quite prominently in the top half of the dial.
A further beautiful feature to the watch is the large, inversely set, diamond into the crown. Classically Cartier fit sapphires in to the crown, but for their highest level of watch making, this made way for diamonds. This watch would most likely have been included in the Priveé Collection.
The case is set onto a very rare solid eighteen carat gold Cartier bracelet. It is made to the levels one comes to expect with Cartier, being almost bead-like in the way it feels, looks and moves. Almost like a fine chainmail. The bracelet is attached to the case in a way in which it can actually be removed and any form of leather or fabric band can be attached instead which will give a very different look and feel to the watch. For example; a black or navy satin band would make the watch feel a lot more 'evening' attire. Whereas a black calf band would mean it could easily be worn in the day with a white shirt. The gold bracelet allows for it tp be quite versatile too. The bracelet measures just above six inches in length, but can be sized down if required.
The fully signed and hallmarked watch case back is held in place by a number of small gold screws, beneath which is a Cartier quartz movement. The watch has never been polished, and is presented in stunning condition throughout. The watch is quite rare in this configuration, and is true to the general approach to Cartier watchmaking where it is as much a stunning piece of jewellery which enables one to also tell the time.
