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The Index — Vintage watches, decoded.References, dials and variants up to 2000

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Brands
Cartier
Tortue
(Cartier Paris)

Tortue (Cartier Paris)

1912–?2 variants

The original time-only Tortue made by Cartier Paris, with movements from the European Watch & Clock Co., the Cartier–Edmond Jaeger joint venture.

No reference numbers: early Cartier Paris pieces are identified by hand-stamped case numbers, so collectors cite the model and maison.

Variants over time

Explore by production yearAll recorded years

19201924

19201925

Faded ends mark approximate or unknown dates. Years are as stated by the cited sources.

Variants

Yellow Gold, Enamel Bezelc. 1920
20 × 27 mm two-body case with a white enamel bezel dotted in gold; 19-jewel EWC 8‴ movement, radial Roman numerals. The catalogue notes enamel was first used on the Tortue in 1921, so this example may predate the regular run.
European Watch & Clock Co. movementEnamel bezel

Reference specifications

Brand: Cartier
Model: Tortue
Reference: No reference number
Category: Dress
Production: 1912–?
Date: No
Movement: Manual winding

Specs shared by all variants. Variant pages show where a variant differs.

Cartier Tortue (Cartier Paris) · The Index

Platinum, Blue Enamel Bezelc. 1920

Lady’s 20 × 27 mm platinum case with blue enamel bezel, concave lugs and sapphire-set crown, on a gold Cartier deployant; EWC 8‴ movement with 19 jewels.

Breguet handsEuropean Watch & Clock Co. movementEnamel bezel

All Tortue references

Next referenceTortue Monopoussoir (Cartier Paris)