The Cartier Tortue, introduced in 1912, stands as a testament to Cartier’s innovative approach to case design. Its name, French for “tortoise,” reflects the distinctive tonneau-shaped case that has captivated collectors for over a century. Among the various iterations of this iconic model, the reference 96069 from the 1970s holds a special place in Cartier history, particularly those featuring the coveted “Paris” signed dial.

The reference 96069 is well-known for its “Extra Plate” or “Extra Thin” profile, which measures an extremely thin 5mm. This achievement is accomplished with the incorporation of the Frederic Piguet Caliber 21, an ultra-thin mechanical movement known for its precision and dependability. The case is roughly 26.5mm in width and 34.5mm in length, maintaining the Tortue delicate proportions. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, the case remains in unpolished conditions with all original screws still perfect and accounted for. The original mineral glass crystal and the signature blue sapphire cabochon crown, further enhance the Tortue’s luxurious appeal.

A distinguishing feature of this reference 96069 is the “Paris” printing on the bottom of the dial, indicating its origin from Cartier’s Paris workshops. This subtle detail adds a layer of exclusivity and is highly prized among collectors. The classic matte white dial adorned with black Roman numerals and beautiful hand-blued steel hands, embodies Cartier’s refined designs. The rarity and desirability of the reference 96069 Tortue are evident in its limited availability on the secondary market. Occasionally pieces surface at auctions, often commanding significant attention and value.In 2024, Cartier paid homage to the Tortue’s enduring legacy by reintroducing the model through its Collection Privee – All the more reasons why it is many times more interesting to add the original Tortue design to ones (Cartier) watch-collection.

This vintage Cartier Tortue ‘Extra Plate’ has recently gotten a full service at one of Cartier’s Service Centers, but due to the watch it’s condition and rare appearance, we decided to leave the case and case-back unpolished – This yellow golden Tortue will be sold with our extensive two years of warranty.

reference: 96069
case number: 9606900XX
year of production: ca.1978
case diameter: 26.5mm x 34.5mm
movement: manual-winding F. Piguet, caliber 21
box and papers: no