At SIHH 2014 Cartier will unveil the latest version of its classic Tortue model in two sizes for ladies, both equipped with manufacture movements.

Tortue Medium Model in rose gold

The Tortue, which is French for “tortoise”, has been a key case form for Cartier since its introduction in 1912. It has been refreshed over the years, and the latest revamp streamlines and slims down the design, making it both formal and feminine. Not only is the new Tortue smaller and thinner, it is also simpler. The time display has only the bare minimum necessary, only hour and minute hands. And while all the current Tortue models, like the Tortue XL with big date launched earlier this year, have Breguet hands, the new Tortue has simpler sword hands. 

The Tortue XL with Breguet hands

The new Tortue is available in two sizes, with the larger being the Medium Model, which measures 31 mm by 39mm and is equipped with the ultra-thin Piaget cal. 430P.

Tortue Watch Medium Model in white gold with diamonds

And the Tortue Watch Small Model has the venerable Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 846 inside. This one is 24 mm wide and 30 mm long.

Tortue Watch Small Model in pink gold with diamonds

Both models are available in white or pink gold, with the options of a diamond set case, either on strap or a matching gold bracelet. The price has yet to be announced, a good comparison is the Santos Dumont Large Model which uses the same 430 MC movement as the medium Tortue. In pink gold, the Santos Dumont retails for US$17,300, and the version with diamonds is US$45,100, so expect the Tortue Medium Model to be in the same ballpark, and the small model to be less. – SJX