My take on the Cartier Tortue 8 Jours

[koryong]

The Cartier Tortue range is generally more known for the Monopoussoir and time-only references, hence very little has been written about this 8 Jours from their Collection Prive Cartier Paris. The CPCP is essentially Cartier’s tribute to their most loved and iconic pieces and reproducing them with high grade movements in small numbers.

This particular used piece caught my eye a couple of months ago at a local dealer. It came in its complete box-set of manuals, warranty etc. and whilst the Tortue CPCP production ran from 1998 to 2008, this 2014-dated 8 Jours must have been old stock originally sold by a Cartier AD in Kuala Lumpur.
All Tortues are produced only in precious metals, much like Rolex’s Day-Dates and if I’m not wrong, only 350 pieces of 8-Jours were made in rose gold and yellow gold during its CPCP period.

So not to make my “review” too long-winded, here’s my brief opinion in point-form for easy reading.

1. Although 38mm across, it wears larger mainly due to the elongated shape and 48mm lug to lug length. The 18K case also tends to feel a little top heavy but this may be due to me wearing the strap a little loose.

2. Cartier’s rose gold looks a little lighter than what you’d expect, and could be mistaken for yellow gold until you take a closer peek. Maybe I’m just comparing it to Rolex’s Everose which is significantly darker and more reddish.

3. The glass case back proudly shows off the beautifully finished movement with special Cartier engraving.

4. The 8 days power reserve is simply awesome and an incredible achievement by the JLC based movement. It’s basically much more than I need as I tend to rotate my watches every other day, and even less necessary now with lockdowns and working from home.

5. The accuracy is also superb ! With the watch fully wound and sitting face up, it runs +8 seconds after a week. On the wrist, it fluctuates between +1 and +3 seconds per day.

6. My only peeve with this Tortue and generally with most other Cartier pieces is the octagon-shaped crown. The pointed edges just make winding up feel slippery and definitely less enjoyable.

Sorry if the pictures aren't so good but I hope you all enjoy the write-up … Cheers.

[koryong]

...
..

[Robine]

Nice!

How the watch world used to be - precious metal cases, dainty detailing, movement by reputable makers.

[Stranger]

Beautiful watch!

[le_baron]

Now that's a Cartier I would wear!

[WatchLuxe]

Beauty, my favorite brand!

[WatchLuxe]

I love that watch! Great review, too!