Renowned for their timeless collections and exquisite craftsmanship, Cartier, the French jeweller and watchmaker, holds an esteemed position within the watchmaking industry. However, amidst their array of iconic creations, one collection often remains unnoticed — the Ceinture. Despite its launch in 1927, this timepiece has remained largely unknown and overlooked by the masses of watch collectors.
Reintroduced to Cartier's esteemed lineup in the early 1970s, the Ceinture made a notable comeback, captivating watch enthusiasts with its timeless appeal. Initially available in two case sizes, 25mm, and 27mm, the collection later saw the introduction of a more substantial 31mm variant, which is the very model we have the pleasure of offering today. Powered by the manual-winding Cal. 78.1, this particular model comes in a particularly rare configuration — an 18-carat yellow gold case, a brilliant white dial adorned with black Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, and elegant gold hands.
Undoubtedly, the Ceinture's most striking feature is its distinctive octagonal case. Resembling the buckle of a belt (hence its name, which means "belt" in French), the Ceinture takes the shape of a square with its corners elegantly cut, allowing the watch to command attention despite its seemingly modest dimensions. With its stepped bezel design, the Ceinture deviates from Cartier's signature sapphire cabochon crown, instead incorporating an octagonal crown that sits flush within the bezel — an innovative element known as remontoir imperdable (meaning "captive winding") according to Cartier.
By blending Cartier's traditional design language with an unconventional case shape, the Ceinture beautifully merges the rectangular elegance of the Tank with the angular charm of the Santos Dumont, resulting in a remarkable testament to boundless creativity. Gracing the wrist with its perfectly proportioned size, the Ceinture proudly showcases its unique crown setting, distinctive yellow gold case, and undeniably classical dial — characteristics that enthusiasts have come to cherish from this legendary jeweller and watchmaker.
