The classic Tortue Monopoussoir was introduced in 1998, as a part of the Collection Prive Cartier Paris, or CPCP for short, in?three differing case-metals: white gold, yellow gold, and pink gold. Each bears its own vintage-inspired dial, with a mechanical movement developed by some of independent watchmakings finest.?

A modern classic

Created?by Louis Cartier in 1912, the Tortue was only Cartiers third wristwatch design, after the Santos Dumont and Tonneau. With?its unmistakable DNA and Cartiers timeless style, the model's?tortoise-inspired case quickly became a classic.

As a series of mechanical watches based on historic Cartier designs, the CPCP demonstrated what Cartier was capable of producing during a period where the brand was more closely associated with quartz-based timepieces. Most of the models within the CPCP collection were available between 1998 and 2008, in limited numbers, using mechanical movements from external suppliers, until the Fine Watchmaking Collection?was introduced using movements developed in-house.

A reference point in the history of modern watchmaking, the Calibre 045MC that powers the Tortue Monopoussoir was produced by THA bauche. Founded in 1996, THA was a collaborative movement manufacture by , Denis Flageollet (founder of ), and , before their respective brands became household names. With this illustrious collection of watchmakers involved, there is little surprise that the Calibre 045MC is both technically and visually impressive. Reminiscing on the collaboration during a recent interview, Dennis Flageollet said,

Having worked closely with the jeweller on some other projects, the?watchmakers suggested the project to Cartier, on the basis of re-creating a monopusher chronograph from the 1920s. According to Flageollet, the?heads of product at Cartier at the time did not have extensive knowledge of their heritage, yet the watchmakers behind?THA bauche felt compelled to realise the project.?

The Design

Used only for the various Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir models, the?Tank Monopoussoir and De Bethune Monopoussoir, the Calibre 045MC uses a lever escapement. With a clutch system, the motion of the second wheel to the chronographs central wheel is activated by a double swivel pin, removing the jolt of the seconds hand which often occurs in chronographs operated by a lateral clutch. The resulting operation allows the hand to smoothly glide across the dial.

Beneath the curved crystal, the dial is heavily inspired by vintage Cartier, though with a modern-style guilloche radiating from the centre. The printed Roman numerals complete the dial, adding further highlights.?The overall restrained?styling, combined with the large Roman?numerals, creates an?elegant?balance.?Above the dial, the Breguet-style hands are blued steel, adding a nice touch of contrast to the watch.

The case measures 43 x 35mm, with a thickness of 10mm. On the side of the case, the octagonal crown serves to start, stop and reset the chronograph.

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The Set

The combination of Cartier design and the Calibre 045MC movement, explains the appeal of this Tortue Monopoussoir amongst independent watch collectors of today. Its accompanied by one of our grey grained leather straps, its?black Cartier-signed alligator strap and 18-carat white gold deployant clasp.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

This?Cartier Monopoussoir?reference 2714 is in very good condition, with light surface marks visible on the case throughout consistent with moderate wear. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with?a two-year?warranty from A Collected Man.