Was the model #2356 available with 2 different dials? I've seen most with the print in a circular pattern like the original and a few with the print extending to the edge of the dial, following the Tortue shape of the case. Wondering if the latter was made for specific markets or released later.
Also, curious about sizes I've seen descriptions with 34x33 and 34x43. How many sizes were made and are both considered men's or was the smaller version in a ladies collection. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
From what I remember, the smaller sized Monopoussoir was not really a ladies' version. As for the other dial configuration, I think the round minute track version came first but I could be wrong.
Ed is correct, that the early Tortue Monopoussoirs released in the late 90s as part of the Collection Privee Cartier Paris (CPCP) line, had the round dial track. The round minute track is a nod or hommage to the original Tortue Monopossoirs of the 1920s. The dial where the numbers and minute track use the entire outer section of the dial following the case shape came a bit later. There was no ladies size Tortue Monopoussoir. The first (and smaller size) Tortue MPs are actually a very good size for most men. Not sure how many non-round watches you have tried on, but non-round watches tend to look and wear larger than round watches of the same diameter. These watches were also rather thick but wear comfortably because of the case back curves a bit.
The "Smaller size" Tortue MP was available in rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. The larger version was called the Tortue Monopoussoir XL. It was only available in rose gold and white gold. I believe the XL was simply developed because the watch market as a seemed to be pushing for larger watches, hence during that period we saw the release of the Santos 100, Rolex's Deep Sea, larger Patek Calatravas , and a bunch of other larger watches from a variety of companies. The Tortue MP was not available with the round minute track. Both sizes used a movement from THA, a highly respect company which had employed F.P. Journe and Vianney Halter.
All versions of the Tortue MP are great watches. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Its merely a matter of which one/s you prefer in terms of design, metal, and size. Good luck with your research/shopping.
Thanks Dean. Most of my collection is round case so I'LL need to try the MP on to see how it wears in person. Is there a resource that you know of where I can learn more about THA? Journe, Halter & Flageollet all working together on this movement prior to each launching their own incredible independent brands. I'd love to learn more about how they came together. Also, I notice on the image that Ed shares the case # ends in "CC". The piece that I'm considering ends in "CE". What's the significance, if any, for this difference?
The regular size Tortue MP wears large, but it is comfortable. The XL is even larger but is still comfortable. The XL was not produced as long and from what I've seen doesn't seem to come up for sale as often. I am not aware of a specific resource that discusses THA. You may have to do some online research to see what you can dig up.
As for the CC vs. CE markings, I am not sure. Some companies use letter codes to denote when a watch was produced. I have some old Cartier catalogs and one is dedicated solely to CPCP watches and it may be from 1998/99 and the back of the watch they show also has a number ending in CC. It also shows 2 versions of the Tortue MP, and both have round minute tracks, but the track design is different on the white gold one and the print is dark blue. The Cartier catalogs I have that show a Tortue MP and mention the movement but do not say that the movement was developed by THA. However, it is well known that THA developed the movement (it has been noted in many articles). I also have an old wristwatch annual catalog showing all of the offerings for each company for a specific year and they state that the base caliber of Cartier caliber 045MC is THA 045 MONOP.
Thanks for sharing Dean. The TimeZone community is a wonderful resource!
You are very welcome. I'm glad that you have found the TZ community to be very helpful as you research and consider your next purchase. If you do purchase a Tortue, I hope that you will share some photos with us. Below are some photos from 2 vintage Cartier catalogs that I own. I thought they might be of interest to you and other fans of the Tortue.
These first four photos are from a Cartier Catalog that is dedicated to CPCP watches and I believe it is from approximately 1998/1999.
These two photos are from a later Cartier Catalog from sometime between roughly 2006 and 2007.
As others have mentioned, the large model wears very well for men. I can post a wristshot of the Tortue CPCP perpetual calendar I was lucky enough to try on. It's the same size as the large model.
Thanks for the additional info. The piece I'm looking at is YG and as you describe in #3. It too has a model # of 2356. I'm going to try it on this weekend and will try to share some photos.
Great stuff! I'll be searching eBay (likely in vain) for a copy of that CPCP catalogue.
Good luck with the search! That's my personal favorite dial for the Monopusher. I've been searching for the white gold variant myself. And do share some photos of it if you can :).
It is a small white hard cover catalog. Wishing you good luck with your search.
Wow! That's a beauty. Thanks for sharing.