Cartier - Must de Cartier Colisée - 590002 - Men - 1989

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

This is a quintessential example of Parisian elegance from the late 1980s, combining the jewelry-making heritage of Cartier with the accessible luxury of the "Must" line. The Must de Cartier Colisée is defined by its architectural lugs and perfectly round case, offering a sophisticated silhouette that sits beautifully on the wrist. This particular example is further distinguished by its exceptional preservation and the presence of its original guarantee papers from a prestigious retailer in Ginza, Japan.

Brand: Cartier
Model: Must de Cartier Colisée
Reference Number: 590002
Serial Number: 053444
Movement: Quartz
Dial: Ivory Roman Numeral
Case Size: 24 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Vermeil (Silver 925 with Gold Plating)
Production Year: 1989
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with rich gold tones, a flawless dial, and only minor handling marks consistent with careful usage.

Dial and Hands
The dial is a classic display of Cartier's design language, featuring a soft ivory tone that provides a perfect backdrop for the crisp black Roman numerals. The "Must de Cartier" script is sharp and legible. The dial features the traditional inner railroad minute track and the "secret signature" hidden within the Roman numeral X at 10 o'clock. The blued steel sword-shaped hands provide a striking contrast against the dial, retaining their deep blue hue. The dial surface appears free of staining or aging.

Case and Crystal
The 24mm case features the distinct Art Deco-inspired rounded bezel and T-bar lugs that define the Colisée model. The case is crafted in Vermeil, consisting of solid Sterling Silver (925) plated with 20 microns of gold, as clearly hallmarked on the caseback. The gold plating remains vibrant and thick, with very little sign of the fading often seen on examples from this era. The case shows only faint hairline scratches from gentle wear. The crown is set with the iconic blue cabochon, which is intact and unchipped. The crystal is clear and provides an unobstructed view of the dial.

Movement
Powered by a Cartier quartz caliber, the movement offers reliable vintage performance and convenience. It is running within vintage tolerances, maintaining the precision expected of a high-quality Swiss quartz movement from this period.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap that complements the formal aesthetic of the timekeeper. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, ready for immediate wear.

Condition
This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The Vermeil finish is remarkably well-preserved, maintaining a deep gold luster that rivals solid gold pieces. The hallmarks and engravings on the caseback are crisp and deep, indicating the watch has not been over-polished. The dial is pristine, and the overall presentation is that of a cherished luxury item.

Dimensions
The case measures 24mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug design allows for a compact lug-to-lug presence that fits elegantly on a variety of wrist sizes, functioning as both a timepiece and a piece of jewelry.

Remarks
This lot includes the original International Guarantee Certificate, dated December 22, 1989, and stamped by the retailer in Ginza, Tokyo. The inclusion of these papers adds significant collector value and confirms the provenance of the watch to the height of the Japanese asset bubble era, a time of immense luxury consumption.

History
The Must de Cartier line was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s to re-establish Cartier's dominance in the luxury market by offering vermeil cases that made the brand's iconic designs more accessible without compromising on style. The Colisée was designed specifically as a jewelry watch, named after the Colosseum, reflecting its rounded architectural inspiration. It remains one of the most feminine and enduring designs from the House of Cartier.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase.
The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: CAR-CXX-0001