Must de Cartier Vendôme
Dress Watch · Cartier (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie / Luxury Tier
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (1970s-1980s)
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Cartier (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie / Luxury Tier
Movement
Quartz caliber, high precision, battery powered
Dimensions
Case diameter 30mm, thickness 6mm, lug-to-lug 35mm, lug width 14mm
Description
The Must de Cartier Vendôme is a quintessential expression of classic Cartier elegance. Introduced during the Quartz Revolution to make luxury accessible, the Must de Cartier line utilized vermeil cases while maintaining the exquisite design codes of high-end pieces like the Louis Cartier Tank and Vendôme. Featuring a round case with distinctive horned lugs, a pristine white dial with dramatic black Roman numerals, and blued steel hands, this timepiece offers timeless sophistication and effortless wrist presence.
Key Features
Distinctive Vendôme horn-style lugs, vermeil case construction, classic Must de Cartier signed dial with Roman numerals, and a synthetic blue cabochon crown
Dial Description
Off-white lacquer dial, bold black printed Roman numerals, classic railway minute track, blued steel sword hands, featuring the signature 'Must de Cartier' script logo
Case Material
Vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver), polished finish
Crystal Type
Flat mineral crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth round bezel integrated seamlessly into the vermeil case
Crown & Pushers
Beaded cabochon crown set with a synthetic blue spinel
Bracelet or Strap
Black lizard-textured leather strap with a gold-plated pin buckle
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on case back engraved with Cartier hallmarks, serial number, and metal composition details
Movement Type
Quartz caliber, high precision, battery powered
Water Resistance
Splash resistant / dust resistant only, not suitable for swimming or diving
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland with Swiss quartz movement
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s-1990s production
Cultural Significance
Represented a pivotal shift in luxury watchmaking during the quartz crisis, proving that prestigious design houses could successfully offer accessible luxury without compromising their aesthetic heritage.
Condition Notes
Very good condition. The gold plating shows minor signs of gentle wear consistent with age, the dial and crystal are clean, and the blued hands are pristine.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value ranges from $800 to $1,800 USD depending on condition, presence of original box, and service history.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to water due to vintage leather strap and basic water resistance. Replace battery every 2 to 3 years and have gaskets checked during battery changes.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Must, Cartier Ronde Solo, Omega De Ville Quartz
Interesting Facts
The 'Must de Cartier' line was launched in 1977 by Robert Hocq and Alain-Dominique Perrin, revolutionizing the brand by introducing more affordable luxury items, including silver-gilt watches that saved Cartier during the quartz crisis.