A pleasant surprise

Dec 02, 2017,05:54 AM
 

A few days ago I set my sights on an interesting shaped Cartier watch from a website of a local shop. My research led me to the wonderful world of the CPCP collection written by fellow Purist GEO. That particular watch was a bit too delicate although interesting. I then saw an ordinary looking Ronde on the dress watch section. "It's Platinum," said the clerk which made my heart beat a bit faster. The letters "Paris" and "Made in France" further confirmed that I was holding something special. A deal was made and further research told me it is indeed a special watch: The Ronde Louis Cartier CPCP.




The alligator strap isn't personally to my liking so a replacement is in order. This piece will probably be a finer occasion watch instead of a daily wearer.



The handwound Piaget 430 based movement. It is interesting to see the engraving of "1998". Knowing the CPCP started in 1998, could it be that this is a 1st execution of the model?

No service history was documented but looking at the screw slots of the caseback it seems that somebody had opened the back.

At the end I was very pleasantly surprised at this unexpected find. This watch led me to the greatest hits collection that is the CPCP which are worth hunting. (Looking at you guys Tank, Cintree, Santos Dumont).
I think the lesson is: hunt your watches online AND offline. You would never know what is on the shop display. Maybe you could find that special piece.


More posts: SantosSantos DumontTank

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Big congrats !!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : December 2nd, 2017-06:33
this is a very special Cartier indeed! Thanks for sharing with us Cheers Robin

Thanks

 
 By: romulux : December 2nd, 2017-09:17
I'm thinking of bringing it to Cartier SG for service. 20 years sounds like it's due. EDIT: There are 2 Boutiques in ID. Will put a message to them.

Cool ! Yeah time for a good spa ! :) [nt]

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : December 2nd, 2017-19:55

Very classic and stunning watch

 
 By: Geo : December 2nd, 2017-06:58
Congratlations, I am sure this is a watch that you will be wearing a lot. And platinum with that dial is such a beautiful combination. Enjoy! GEO

I hope so

 
 By: romulux : December 2nd, 2017-09:20
I can't get enough of the CPCP stuff. It's so inside-baseball.

Very nice

 
 By: Cemre : December 2nd, 2017-08:06
In reality the CPCP production started in 1997. Platinum Ronde Louis Cartier from 1997 exists. This one, both movement and case are from 1998. In 1999 the watch was updated with a full guillloché dial, Bréguet hands and 437MC movement.

How do you tell the case date

 
 By: romulux : December 2nd, 2017-09:13
Is it the B signature after 2452? I love the one with Breguet hands. Just saw one sold listing.

Exactly

 
 By: Cemre : December 2nd, 2017-09:51
A is for 1997

The number before the "AF" will tell you how early in the series this watch was created.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : December 2nd, 2017-10:25
As Cemre said, this is from 1997-98 so it is among the earliest CPCPs. This is also borne out by the "Made in France" designation. In 1999 Cartier started to designate their watches as "Swiss Made"-the Tank Basculante CPCP being the first. I am not sure w...