Cartier Vendôme Must - Large model - c. 1990

Vendôme: A Journey to the Heart of Creativity  

Description

Cartier’s Vendôme? As elegant and timeless as the square itself! The very round, almost seamless case evokes the simplest Watch shape. The Bracelet, connected to the case by thin horizontal links, seems to barely hold the Watch in place. 

Its gold-plated Must version offers two key qualities: first, a more affordable price point than its solid-gold counterpart, but more importantly, it breaks away from the classic Cartier dial design (railroad-style minute track, blued hands, white dials, etc.). This large-case version of the Vendôme Must is particularly refined and elegant: on its cream-colored dial, two gold circles frame an alternating pattern of Roman numeral hour markers and hour markers indicated by slender diamonds. 

Furthermore, it makes a striking statement on the wrist while remaining very slim and comfortable. Its comfort is further enhanced by a Cartier folding clasp in gold-plated steel.

How to wear it?

This Cartier Vendôme is truly perfect for any occasion. Neither too elegant nor too casual, it’s particularly well-suited for everyday life. A true city watch! Thanks to its cream-colored dial, it’s a beautiful alternative to the classic yellow gold Vendôme, which is only available with a white dial. This shade also pairs effortlessly with a variety of leather colors.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Just like the square of the same name, the Cartier Vendôme evokes luxury and subtlety. Françoise loves its slender lines, the elegance of its Roman numerals, and its understated charm. The Vendôme also offers a model with a round dial—a rarity at Cartier, which is known for its uniquely shaped watches.

This version isn’t very common on the wrists Françoise sees in Paris. Plus, its 30-mm diameter makes it a unisex model! 

History

As early as 1934, Louis Cartier patented a new way of attaching leather Bracelets: on either side, a horizontal bar slides into a sort of central buckle attached to the case.

The Cartier Vendôme was introduced around 1973 as a tribute to the eponymous Parisian square, a gathering place for jewelers and watchmakers. The two clasps are said to evoke the two streets leading to Place Vendôme: Rue de la Paix and Rue de Castiglione. 

Around the same time, Cartier launched its Must collection in gold-plated and silver versions, offering the brand’s iconic designs at more affordable prices for young people.