Cartier Must Colisée Black

Cartier's Must: Creating Lines with a Circle. 

Description

The Cartier “Colisée” showcases a bold new look that stays true to Cartier’s design codes, as the brand has long excelled in creating watches with distinctive shapes.With its unique round case and integrated horizontal lugs, it offers an alternative to the brand’s more classic and simple models.

The Colisée is available in the Classic collection (in Sterling silver) and in the Must collection. Here, we have the perfect piece to showcase the Must collection: a Vermeil (gold-plated silver) case, a more affordable price point compared to the Classic collection, and a highly original dial. A lacquered black dial with gold hands and markings: only the Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock are visible, with the other hours indicated by diamonds. 

The Bracelet currently on the Watch needs to be replaced: the replacement is included in the price, and Françoise will be delighted to help you choose your new custom-made Bracelet.

How to wear it?

Françoise particularly loves the geometric style of this watch: a rounded case and horizontal bars that look as though they’ve simply been placed on top of the watch. Its modest size, despite its distinctive design, makes it the perfect accessory for any outfit: wear it on a black Bracelet to tone it down or a colorful one to highlight it.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Françoise is a big fan of the Colisée collection, even though it’s often overlooked by many collectors. The upside of this injustice, in Françoise’s eyes, is that it makes this a Cartier you don’t seeon every wrist! This version, with its black dial paired with gold accents, is particularly elegant.

History

The “Must de Cartier” collection was launched in 1973 by Robert Hocq and Alain-Dominique Perrin, who was appointed Managing Director of this new division.

This creative line not only allowed Cartier to expand its offerings but also to introduce a more accessible and unconventional range, thereby democratizing the luxury sector while preserving its traditional codes. 

Following lighters, pens, and leather goods, it was the Must watch’s turn to make its debut in 1976–77. The Tank in Vermeil was the first to be introduced, bearing the inscription “Must de Cartier” and the two “C”s on the dial. Although the first models were made with manual-winding movements, Quartz quickly became the standard for these everyday, easy-to-wear watches. 

Unlike Cartier’s yellow gold watches, those in the Must line—made of silver, Vermeil, or steel—offer a wide variety of cases and dials. Sometimes colorful, sometimes adorned with geometric patterns, these designs breathe new life into classic models.