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Pre-Owned Cartier Tortue

The Cartier Tortue is a collector's favorite — a tonneau-shaped silhouette that showcases Cartier's historic approach to case design and fine watchmaking. Explore pre-owned models that reflect over a century of refined innovation and elegance.

7 Watches
7 Watches

About Cartier Tortue

The Cartier Tortue stands as one of the maison's most historic and distinctive watch shapes. Introduced in 1912 by Louis Cartier, the case was inspired by the silhouette of a tortoise — a deliberate break from the round pocket watches of the day. This elegant tonneau shape quickly became a hallmark of Cartier's early 20th-century design language and has since been reinterpreted across a range of mechanical executions and precious metal cases.

Cartier Tortue: A Tonneau-Shaped Legacy Since 1912

The Cartier Tortue was introduced in 1912, becoming one of the earliest examples of Cartier's move toward shaped watches. With its rounded tonneau (tortoise shell) silhouette, the Tortue stood apart from the round and rectangular designs dominating the early wristwatch era. Designed by Louis Cartier himself, the Tortue reflects the brand's Art Deco roots and its commitment to elegant, unconventional geometry.

Size and Movement Variations

Over the decades, the Tortue has been produced in a variety of sizes for men and women. Classic versions feature hand-wound mechanical movements, while later models have introduced automatic calibers and high complications. You'll find smaller Tortue models with simple time-only dials, as well as larger executions incorporating dual time zones, perpetual calendars, monopusher chronographs, and tourbillons — all without sacrificing the elegance of the case silhouette.

Materials and Aesthetic Codes

The Tortue is most often found in precious metals such as yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, frequently paired with silvered guilloché dials, Roman numerals, and blue steel hands. Cartier has also released limited edition models with skeletonized movements, enamel details, and unique dial textures, enhancing the Tortue's desirability among collectors.

Comparing the Tortue to Other Cartier Icons

Where the Tank is celebrated for its minimalist rectangular form and the Ballon Bleu for its rounded ergonomic design, the Tortue occupies a niche between the two — offering both curvature and architectural structure. Unlike the Santos , which leans into industrial sport-luxury appeal, the Tortue remains firmly rooted in the dress watch category, with an emphasis on refinement and historical continuity.

Who The Tortue Is For

The Cartier Tortue is ideal for collectors seeking a shape-driven design with a legacy of over 100 years. Whether you favor rare complications or simply admire early 20th-century watchmaking aesthetics, the Tortue offers a graceful, sculptural presence on the wrist.

Confidence & Care with Every Purchase

Each pre-owned Cartier Tortue watch at The 1916 Company is authenticated and serviced by our in-house specialists and backed by a two-year global warranty. As an authorized Cartier retailer, we also invite you to explore our full selection of new Cartier watches available online and in-store. To explore other shapes and styles from the maison, visit our pre-owned Cartier watches collection and discover the full spectrum of Cartier's horological artistry.

The Cartier Tortue was introduced in 1912, making it one of the maison's earliest shaped wristwatches and a landmark in Art Deco design.
Most Tortue models are crafted in precious metals such as yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Some limited editions feature enamel work, skeletonization, or gem-setting.
Yes. Over the years, Cartier has offered Tortue models with complications including chronographs, dual time zones, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars.
The Tortue offers a curvier, more sculptural design than the rectangular Tank, and it has a more classic, high-complication focus than the rounded Ballon Bleu.