Description

1990s was a defining decade for the mechanical watch industry. It had recovered from the quartz crisis and was gaining momentum again. These were the times when the watch forums, blogs and social media were non-existent. Just true connoisseurs sharing their passion for mechanical watches. Although within the small community, the interest in high-end mechanical movements could be reeked in the air.

And Cartier could smell it. In 1998, Cartier dedicated a separate division for mechanical watches, as a special collection called Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP).

It comprised of some iconic models such as the Santos, Tank and Tortue, with movements manufactured by other big names within the watch industry such as JLC, Piaget, Frederique Piguet and THA Èbauche among the others. The calibers were then finished in-house by Cartier before housing them into some of its historic designs. Some pieces were made as a limited edition of 100pcs and others were a limited production of 200 – 250 timepieces.

CPCP was operational between 1998 and 2008, after which Cartier decided to dive deep into high-end in-house watchmaking dedicating a new manufacturer in 2008 called the Fine Watchmaking (FWM). It did not generate expected results and was shut down in 2018.

The present reference is the Cartier Tonneau XL 2805 Dual Time CPCP. Introduced in 2006, this unusually attractive timepiece was limited to just 150 examples.

The 18k rose gold tonneau case measures 29.5mm x 43.5mm featuring a double-dial with the iconic stylized Roman numerals and blued steel hands, each dial featuring the Collection Privee guilloche emanating out of the center of the hands. Two individual 18k cabochon sapphire-set crowns adorn the case band.

This rare timeless classic is powered by two individual manual-wound Cartier caliber 9770MC movements with 40hrs power reserve.

Offered on a hand-stitched alligator strap with an 18K rose gold deployant clasp

Cartier – Bio

Founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, the house of Cartier is the luxury jewellers by reference in France.
Jewellers of the royal family and their prominent entourage, they quickly acquired fame in Europe.
Later Louis Cartier gave a second life to old watchmaking traditions with pieces like the mystery clocks, gem-set watches and other flamboyant pieces.
One of their iconic models called the Santos was made in 1904 for his friend and client the aviator from Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont.   Followed by other successful models like the Tonneau in 1906, the Tortue in 1912 and the famous Tank in 1919 to mention few.
The brand stayed in the family until 1964 and is now owned by a Swiss watch group.