The history of this Cartier Gondole Jumbo
French luxury house founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Cartier began as a jeweler specializing in pocket watches before becoming a benchmark for the first wristwatches. In 1874 and 1904, Cartier collaborated with Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont to create the Santos-Dumont watch, one of the first modern wristwatches. In 1917, the Tank, inspired by the tanks of the First World War, marked the brand's golden age, quickly adopted by every celebrity in search of refinement. Over the years, Cartier has built a unique watchmaking heritage, and the brand continues to explore bold design, from the Panthère to the more architectural creations of the 1990s.
In this creative context of the 1970s, the Cartier Gondole appears as a cushion model signed Cartier, a yellow gold Gondole thought for dressy dinners as much as for urban chic. This Cartier Gondole Jumbo watch, ref 97050, is a large-format Gondole whose 18K yellow gold case asserts a distinctive and elegant style. With its graceful design, this vintage model remains exceptional on the wrist and perfectly embodies the way in which Cartier has been able to offer an 18K yellow gold Gondole that stands the test of time.
Case, caliber and bracelet
The case adopts a cushion-like silhouette known as a TV, approximately 34 millimeters wide by nearly 39 mm long, slim on the wrist thanks to careful manufacture in 18K yellow gold. The matte silver dial features Roman numerals with a near-vertical minute track, underscoring the presence of a watch with a balanced design. The fire-blued hands contrast with the clear background. A circular-grained crown adorned with a cabochon completes this refined architecture.
Inside, the hand-wound caliber 97B testifies to the expertise of the Cartier workshops and offers a smooth running, ideal for everyday use. This Gondole grand is worn on a new, unsigned red leather strap, which remains perfectly consistent with the original spirit.
Why this watch
For the lover of fine watchmaking in search of a classic yet different design, this model is positioned as a rare alternative to the Maison's better-known icons, from the Ballon Bleu to the large Tank. On occasion, this vintage model in yellow gold is aimed at those seeking a discreet yet present cushion silhouette, capable of slipping under a suit sleeve while asserting a distinctive style. The Cartier Gondole Jumbo speaks as much to watch enthusiasts as to aesthetes who see in this Cartier a reminder of the Maison's creative golden age, far removed from the quartz productions of the 1990s. Presented here, this Cartier Gondole watch naturally finds its place both in a cutting-edge collection and as an everyday watch.
Contents supplied and condition
The watch comes with a red velvet Cartier carrying pouch, a practical accessory to protect the gold case when travelling. The example presented is in like-new condition, with homogeneous polishing, an intact dial and a virtually blank bracelet, making it an ideal piece for a first purchase in the Cartier universe.
Warranty and delivery
This Cartier Gondole is offered by a professional seller who has each piece checked by a partner watchmaker before it goes on sale. You benefit from a two-year The Swiss Collector warranty on the correct functioning of the caliber. This guarantee covers all essential work, excluding normal wear and tear, with the possibility of follow-up in a Swiss workshop if necessary. Insured and tracked shipping, or collection in person, means you can receive this timepiece in the best possible conditions, with attentive customer service at every stage in the life of your collection.
*Like new - brand-new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No defects visible to the naked eye.
