Cartier Colisee 'Tutti Frutti' Diamond

No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention!

While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank Louis watch, there are numerous other models in its archives that are both beautiful and compelling. In recent years, for example, Cartier has been pouring through its history and re-imagining selections for contemporary release as part of its highly regarded Privé Collection. Beyond the high-end Privé watches, however, are equally compelling wares with stunning designs.

French for “colosseum,” the Cartier Colisée is one of the coolest round watches in the maison’s archive. The round case with broad bezel and integrated vertical lug and bracelet attachment is incredibly unique. (Few recognize the Cartier ‘C’ logo integrated into the bracelet layout, but it’s there!)

This particular Colisée is especially precious: A “Tutti Frutti” example set with various precious stones, it jumps off the wrist in a blaze of incandescent horological bravado! Housed in a 18K white gold case with a diamond-set bezel, ruby and emerald-set lugs, a ruby cabochon crown, and a magnificent, diamond-set integrated bracelet with a double-deployant clasp, this quartz-powered masterpiece features a diamond-set dial interrupted by only a white gold ‘sword’ handset.

Stunningly, this magnificent creation was part of the maison’s Le Must de Cartier line — meaning that, in the brand’s estimation, anyway, it was classified as an entry-level piece. Go figure! Made in France and sold in Asia, it includes its factory goodies, and is ready to make its new owner very happy, indeed.