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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Cartier Vendôme Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Cartier Vendôme wristwatch, identified by reference 78090, dates to 1970. It features a 32mm case constructed from 18ct white gold, characterizing the Vendôme model with its distinctive shaped profile. The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, specifically the calibre 78-1. The white dial displays black printed Roman numeral hour indices accompanied by an inner minute track and blued steel sword-shaped hands. A sapphire cabochon is set into the winding crown. The watch is completed with a leather strap secured by an 18ct white gold deployant buckle. The object is presented as an example of Cartier’s vintage horological output from the 1970s.

Front view of the 18ct white gold Cartier Vendôme wristwatch with blue strap.
Front view of the 18ct white gold Cartier Vendôme wristwatch with blue strap. — Somlo. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.somlo.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
78090
Catalogue / lot identifier
3546
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Cartier Vendôme wristwatch features a 32mm case rendered in 18ct white gold. The design follows the specific shape associated with the Vendôme model, which is finished with a sapphire cabochon crown. This case profile is consistent with the firm's established design language for the model series.

The dial is finished in white and provides a high-contrast background for the black printed Roman numeral indices. The layout includes an inner minute track for time measurement. The time is indicated by two blued steel sword-shaped hands, positioned centrally on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vendôme shaped case and sapphire cabachon crown”
  • “White dial featuring black printed Roman numeral hour indices with inner minute track and blued steel sword shaped hands”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is driven by a manual-wind movement, identified by the maker as calibre 78-1. This mechanical calibre is housed within the 18ct white gold case. The watch represents the mechanical standards employed by Cartier during the 1970s for this specific reference.

The movement powers the hour and minute functions. The combination of the manual calibre and the white gold case construction serves as the foundational technical configuration for this specific wristwatch reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre: 78-1”
  • “Movement: Manual”

Bracelet and Appointments

The watch is fitted with a leather strap. The strap is paired with an 18ct white gold deployant buckle, which coordinates with the white gold metal of the case. The use of a deployant buckle mechanism is a component of the original ensemble as listed.

These elements complete the presentation of the Vendôme reference. The buckle is manufactured from the same 18ct white gold as the watch head, maintaining material consistency across the object's external components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bracelet/strap: Leather strap”
  • “Accessories: 18ct white gold deployant buckle”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production serial number for this individual case?
  • Does the case back carry any specific hallmark stamps indicating the assay office or date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Vendôme Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCartier“Vendor: Cartier”
Reference78090“Reference: 78090”
MovementCalibre 78-1“Calibre: 78-1”
Case material18ct white gold“Material: 18ct white gold”
Case diameter32mm“Case dimensions: 32mm”
Winding systemManual“Movement: Manual”
Accessories18ct white gold deployant buckle“Accessories: 18ct white gold deployant buckle”
Date1970“Made 1970”

Visible details

  • White dial with Roman numeral hour markers
  • Blued steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands
  • Crown set with a blue cabochon
  • Leather strap with branded deployant buckle

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturing date is stated as 1970, though the text also refers to the 1970s generally.
  • Internal movement condition is not described in the source text.

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

Consulted source

18ct white gold Cartier Vendôme wristwatch. Made 1970

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c7081529d6

Terms in this record

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

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