Must de Cartier Trinity / Vendome Floating Diamonds Dial
Dress Watch with floating stones · Cartier (Richemont Group), luxury tier high-end jewelry and watchmaker
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (1970s-1980s)
Type
Dress Watch with floating stones
Brand
Cartier (Richemont Group), luxury tier high-end jewelry and watchmaker
Movement
Quartz caliber, high precision battery operated, typically ETA-based
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 30mm, thickness 6mm, lug width 16mm
Description
A striking and playful vintage creation from Cartier's Must de Cartier line, featuring the iconic rich burgundy dial and a unique floating diamond design reminiscent of Chopard's Happy Diamonds concept adapted into the Cartier design language. Housed in a vermeil case with the signature sapphire cabochon crown, it offers a sophisticated yet whimsical aesthetic.
Key Features
Must de Cartier burgundy dial, floating or moving diamond stones along the dial edge, vermeil case construction, sapphire cabochon crown
Dial Description
Burgundy/maroon dial with printed Must de Cartier logo, gold hands, featuring floating diamonds roaming within the crystal perimeter
Case Material
Gold-plated vermeil (sterling silver base with heavy gold plating) and polished finish
Crystal Type
Mineral crystal or sapphire with distinctive double-layer construction allowing stones to move
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated round gold-plated bezel
Crown & Pushers
Beaded cabochon crown featuring a blue sapphire gemstone set in the center
Bracelet or Strap
Black lizard or calfskin leather strap with gold-plated tang buckle
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on or screw-down case back with stamped Cartier hallmarks, serial number, and metal purity stamps
Movement Type
Quartz caliber, high precision battery operated, typically ETA-based
Water Resistance
Splash resistant only (30 meters/3 ATM) due to vintage dress watch construction
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland by Cartier SA
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s-1990s production
Cultural Significance
Represented Cartier's successful pivot into accessible luxury during the quartz crisis, capturing the vibrant fashion aesthetic of the late 20th century
Condition Notes
Signs of wear consistent with age, minor micro-scratches on the gold plating and crystal, original dial intact, strap shows typical usage
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value between $1,500 to $3,500 depending on condition, box, and papers
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years, avoid water exposure due to vintage gaskets, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Must, Chopard Happy Diamonds, Piaget Dancer
Interesting Facts
The Must de Cartier line was introduced in the 1970s to make Cartier watches more accessible by using vermeil cases and quartz movements while maintaining high luxury design standards