Cartier Vendôme Must Argent - Small Model - ref. 1850

Vendôme: an appointment at the heart of creation

Description

The Cartier Vendôme? As elegant and timeless as the square from which it takes its name. Its perfectly round, almost uninterrupted case recalls the purest and most fundamental expression of watchmaking. The strap, attached to the case by delicate horizontal lugs, seems barely to hold the watch in place. Naturally, all the Cartier hallmarks are present: a railway minute track, blued steel hands, and a winding crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon. Absolute refinement.

The Must collection has always stood for originality. This example is therefore neither crafted in solid gold nor gold-plated; instead, it belongs to the less common sterling silver version of the Vendôme. The elongated blue Roman numerals and blued hands pair beautifully with the cool tones of the silver case. This Must version offers two distinct advantages: a more accessible price point than its solid gold counterpart, and a dial design so distinctive that it would never be found on the original model.

The watch is fitted with its Cartier bright blue alligator strap, perfectly echoing the colour of the blued hands. It is accompanied by its Cartier stainless-steel folding clasp.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Like the famous square that inspired its name, the Cartier Vendôme embodies luxury expressed through subtlety. A discreet model with elegant, slender lines. It is precisely for this reason that we trust it completely. The Vendôme also offers a round dial, a relatively uncommon shape for Cartier, a Maison renowned for its shaped watches.

Françoise has always loved the Must collection for its younger, more relaxed interpretation of Cartier watchmaking. She also enjoys presenting more accessible alternatives to the classic solid-gold models, particularly those crafted in silver. The combination of the silver case, quartz movement and smaller dimensions makes this Cartier Vendôme a discreet, practical and highly versatile everyday watch. Its signed steel folding clasp further enhances its comfort on the wrist.

History

As early as 1934, Louis Cartier patented a new method of attaching leather straps: on either side of the case, a horizontal bar would slide into a central loop fixed to the case.

The Cartier Vendôme was introduced around 1973 as a tribute to the famous Parisian square of the same name, a historic meeting place for jewellers and watchmakers. Its two distinctive lugs are said to symbolise the two streets leading to Place Vendôme: Rue de la Paix and Rue de Castiglione.

During the same period, Cartier launched the Must collection in gold plate and silver, offering the Maison’s iconic designs at more accessible prices and appealing to a younger generation of collectors.