KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
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My favourite Cartier - the CPCP Ref 2396 Tortue Monopoussoir
Zagreb has been - typically for a PuristSPro GTG - a feast of horology. I guess there is no AD, dealer or brand boutique that can serve up as much horological diversity and as many delicacies as a regular GTG of Purists (here: www.watchprosite.com the last one).
And one of the watches that I have been platonically lusting after from the very beginning of my horological journey and that has definitely been on my grail list for some time is the Cartier Ref. 2396 Tortue Monopoussoir, which one of the fellow Purists graciously offered to bring along.
Reality most certainly did not disappoint - to be honest I would find it hard to define another modern chronograph that is so delicate, formal, classically sized and proportioned...
And this is only from the front. Moving further, it has a THA movement - a collaboration between FP Journe, Vianney Halter and Denis Flageollet (difficult to beat this) - a compact handwould monopusher chronograph movement with lots of appeal in spite of the small size available. I believe UN used it in some of its watches, too.
And this is only from the front. Moving further, it has a THA movement - a collaboration between FP Journe, Vianney Halter and Denis Flageollet (difficult to beat this) - a compact handwould monopusher chronograph movement with lots of appeal in spite of the small size available. I believe UN used it in some of its watches, too.
Finally, it simply has a wonderfully classical, understated look on the wrist. Not at all shouty or possessed of signalling properties for the uninitiated but a true eyecandy for the ones in the know.
It comes with only two downsides. First of all, the Purist in question was hardly amenable to letting it go. Not that i don't understand him. And secondly, upon showing my wife the pictures, she immediately claimed that it does not at all matter if it looks small on my wrist, because it's perfect for hers - I guess a fate not unknown to Tortue owners 
I have to say I truly wish for Cartier to consider something like the CPCP line again - so many truly delectable pieces in it and I am sure there would be a customer base for a new range 
Thanks to the owner for letting me play with it and to you for viewing!
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My favourite Cartier - the CPCP Ref 2396 Tortue Monopoussoir
Zagreb has been - typically for a PuristSPro GTG - a feast of horology. I guess there is no AD, dealer or brand boutique that can serve up as much horological diversity and as many delicacies as a regular GTG of Purists (here: www.watchprosite.com...
That's one amazing watch that has to be seen in metal
to fully appreciate it Cheers D
I vaguely remember that you were quite taken with it, too :)
Fully agree, a proper heavyweight (in spite of its small size)
Absolutely :)
Would also love to see your photographs of it (instead of my amateur efforts)
Just like you say, Nico!
Everything spot on - definitely a special Cartier. I hope they reactivate something similar again! Not that there were no appealing watches since CPCP, simply that there is a place for a line like this.
There is another brand which used the same movement, with, of course, the mono pusher.
This one is very dear to my heart... ...
A very nice watch!
But I find it would be more harmonious with a slightly smaller case. One of yours, or on the list?
Could not agree more, Alkiro!
The only other one from the line that I really think fully competes is the XIII version (whatever the name of that one is, celebrating the Boutique, salmon dial...)
That's the one!
Not sure of the reference but if I ever get to the lucky position of contemplating two, this would be the second one
Thanks, Michael!
The primary thanks goes to the fellow Purist for bringing along the watch And what a piece it is, right?
The Tortue Mono Poussoir and especially this large model
has the right dimensions and looks IMHO much better than the XL version. I like this white gold version a lot, but I still prefer the yellow version with the more classic dial.
Love it also.
Had an opportunity to pick one up in Tokyo late last year. Looked at it twice over a weekend but wasn't completely sure (as I was looking at something else also). I decided I would wait until I returned the following month and if still there I would purch...
Dear KPMII,
First of all thanks for having shared with us such a beaty!!! I have a question and I hope someone will be able to help me While web surfing, I saw that there are 2 different references which by the pics seems the same watch: A) 2397E B) W1525851 Is there...
Refrences
Hi Luca, The Tortue Mono Poussoir came in two sizes, both share that same 045MC caliber.
Hi Geo, thanks!!!
By chang do you know the production numbers and which of the two is the most sought after? Best and thanks again, Luca
Hi Luca,
No that I do not know, no idea about production numbers, these watches were not limited, but do not surpass 500 items I think. Geo
