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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch

Cartier Pasha Tourbillon Collection Privée Ref. 2578

Partially verified

This Cartier Pasha Tourbillon, part of the Collection Privée, is a limited-edition skeletonized wristwatch produced in an edition of 25 pieces. It is constructed from 18K pink gold and features a water-resistant three-body case. The watch measures 38 mm in diameter and includes distinctive features such as square "Vendôme"-style lugs with screwed bars, a wide sloped bezel, and a winding crown set with a cabochon sapphire. The dial is transparent, exposing the rhodium-plated Calibre 492 MC movement, which includes a one-minute tourbillon regulator housed within an A-shaped polished steel carriage. The time is displayed via burnished pink gold lozenge hands set against a central pink gold square minute track.

Front view of the Cartier Pasha Tourbillon showing the transparent dial, skeletonized Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock, and central minute track.
Front view of the Cartier Pasha Tourbillon showing the transparent dial, skeletonized Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock, and central minute track. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
2578
Catalogue / lot identifier
27
Source-reported date
circa 2003
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
02/20-2001

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece is housed in a solid, three-body 18K pink gold case measuring 38 mm in diameter. It is designed to be water-resistant and features a wide, sloped bezel that frames the transparent dial. The design integrates square "Vendôme"-style lugs secured with pink gold screws, providing a distinct profile. Access to the movement is provided by a case back secured with eight screws, which also incorporates a porthole allowing for a view of the tourbillon cage.

The transparent dial provides a direct view of the underlying mechanism, featuring a single grid bridge and a central square minute track finished in pink gold. The time is marked by painted indexes and skeletonized Arabic numerals at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Burnished pink gold lozenge-shaped hands are utilized for the time display, complementing the overall metallic finish of the dial ensemble.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished, case back with 8 screws and a porthole to view the tourbillon cage”
  • “square "Vendôme" type lugs with pink gold screwed bars”
  • “Transparent, showing the single grid bridge and the tourbillon cage”
  • “pink gold square minute track with painted indexes”

Movement and Escapement

Power is provided by the Calibre 492 MC, a rhodium-plated movement containing 30 jewels. The movement is characterized by a lateral lever escapement that integrates a one-minute tourbillon regulator. The tourbillon itself is mounted within an A-shaped polished steel cage, designed to rotate fully once per minute. This mechanism uses a monometallic balance combined with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring to address potential positional timing errors.

The visual presentation of the movement is an integral part of the watch's aesthetic, as the skeletonized structure allows for the components to be observed through the transparent dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 492 MC, rhodium-plated, 30 jewels, lateral lever escapement with one-minute tourbillon regulator”
  • “A-shaped polished steel cage”
  • “monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring”

Signatures and Authenticity

The watch is catalogued under lot number 27 and carries the reference number 2578. It is specifically identified as part of the Cartier Collection Privée, with markings on the case back indicating its place within the limited edition. The auction description explicitly states that the dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer.

The case and movement are both assigned a grade of 2, indicating they are in very good condition. The dial is given a grade of 1-01, described as being in "as new" condition, and the hands are verified as original.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed”
  • “Ref. 2578”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Case: 2 Very good”
  • “Dial: 1-01 As new”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific meaning of the serial string 02/20-2001 in relation to the limited edition of 25 pieces?
  • Are there specific service records available to substantiate the 'As new' dial condition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Pasha Tourbillon Collection Privée Ref. 2578
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“Cartier Paris”
Reference2578“Ref. 2578”
MovementCal. 492 MC“M. Cal. 492 MC”
Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold wristwatch”
Limited Edition25 pieces“Produced in a limited edition of 25 examples”
Diameter38 mm“Diam. 38 mm”
Jewel count30 jewels“30 jewels”
Case back8 screws“case back with 8 screws”

Visible details

  • Transparent dial with single grid bridge
  • Crown set with cabochon sapphire
  • Square Vendôme lugs with screwed pins
  • Visible tourbillon cage at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The source lists the total edition size as 25 but the serial number is 02/20-2001
  • The exact function of the specific numerical marking 02/20-2001 remains unverified by the text

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Cartier Pasha Tourbillon Collection Privée Cartier Paris, "Collection Privee, Pasha de Cartier Tourbillon" No. 02/20-2001, Ref. 2578. Produced in a limited edition of 25 examples circa 2003. Extremely fine and rare, skeletonised water-resistant, 18K pink gold wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator and an 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6ece55b65a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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