Cartier Vendôme Must - Large Model

Vendôme: a meeting at the heart of creation

Description

The Cartier Vendôme? As elegant and timeless as the Place itself. Its very round, almost uninterrupted case recalls the simplest form of watch design. The bracelet, connected to the case by fine horizontal lugs, seems to barely hold the watch.

Its Must gold-plated version offers two advantages: of course, a more accessible price point than its solid gold counterpart, but above all it breaks away from Cartier’s traditional dial codes (railway-track minute scale, blued hands, white dials, etc.). This large-size Vendôme Must particularly stands out for its refinement and elegance: on its white dial, two golden circles frame an alternating arrangement of Roman numerals and finely shaped diamond markers.

In addition, it offers a strong presence on the wrist while remaining exceptionally slim and comfortable. This Vendôme is fitted with a green Cartier-signed alligator leather strap and a gold-plated Cartier pin buckle.

How to wear it?

This Cartier Vendôme is truly perfect for all occasions. Neither too elegant nor too casual, it is especially well suited to everyday wear. A true city watch. Thanks to its white dial punctuated with golden geometric details, it is a refined alternative to the classic yellow gold Vendôme. A dial that also pairs very easily with a variety of leather strap colours.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Like the Place it is named after, the Cartier Vendôme evokes luxury and subtlety. Françoise appreciates its fine lines, the elegance of its Roman numerals, and its discreet presence. The Vendôme also offers a round dial, a shape less commonly seen at Cartier, a Maison renowned for its shaped watches.

This version is not frequently seen on the wrists Françoise encounters in Paris. Moreover, its 30 mm diameter makes it a unisex model.

History

As early as 1934, Louis Cartier patented a new way of attaching leather straps: a horizontal bar on each side inserted into a central loop fixed to the case.

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

During the same period, Cartier launched its Must line in gold plate and silver, offering the Maison’s iconic designs at more accessible prices for younger clients.