Cartier Diabolo - Yellow gold - 1994 (full set)

Cartier Diabolo, the art of play and precision

Description

Its name and silhouette may be unfamiliar. The creative catalogue of Maison Cartier is filled with singular, often unexpected timepieces. The Cartier Diabolo is not an exception. It is, without a doubt, one of the brand’s most intriguing and least-known creations.

The Diabolo takes its name from the iconic juggling toy of the same name: a playful nod that translates into its design through curves, symmetry, and volume. Unlike other Cartier watches, it features a rounded and relatively thick case, flanked by two lugs, each topped with a blue sapphire cabochon, echoing the crown, itself adorned with a bold sapphire. The play on volume continues with the domed crystal, enhancing the watch’s sculptural presence.

Certain Cartier signatures remain timeless: a white dial, rail-track minute scale, Roman numerals, elegant blued “pomme” hands, and of course, the Cartier signature itself.

This Cartier Diabolo from 1994, accompanied by its original papers and pouch, stands as a delicate balance between horological rigour and Parisian whimsy.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Françoise has always admired the singularity of Cartier’s designs : that rare ability to combine creativity with elegance. The Cartier Diabolo embodies precisely that spirit. It is a watch seldom seen, deserving of greater recognition. A collector’s piece for those who appreciate the quiet charm of a design that time has almost forgotten.

An original creation offering a pleasing sense of volume without ostentation. A confident silhouette that sits gracefully on the wrist. A watch designed to be worn every day.

History

The Cartier Diabolo was conceived in the late 1980s, most likely in 1992, capturing the experimental and playful essence of the 1990s. It reflects a period when Cartier dared to reinterpret form — though its rounded design also recalls early 20th-century ladies’ watches created by the Maison.

Although produced in several variations (mechanical and quartz, with or without chronograph, and in different case sizes) the Diabolo was never made in the same quantities as Cartier’s great icons such as the Tank or the Santos.