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When Cartier Let Its Imagination Spin.
Every brand has its rebels and in the Cartier family, the Diabolo is the one that shows up to the reunion with a pocket trick and a grin. You can thank the children’s game for that. The French diabolo—two cones connected at the tips, spun on a string—served as the muse. Cartier looked at that spinning toy and thought the shape would make great lugs and a crown. And somehow, they were right.
This is the mini version, a 21 millimeter burst of personality that proves tiny watches can carry the biggest attitude. Cartier even ran a 1992 ad calling it “the art of being unique.” You sense that energy right away in the round gold case anchored by four matching sapphire cabochon bullets. Cartier referred to this lug style as attache Obus, a nod to early 1900s pieces that wore the same little torpedoes. You get the same cabochon treatment on the crown because consistency matters, especially when the watch is this whimsical.
The dial is a familiar friend. White with classic Roman numerals with railroad minute track, a secret signature tucked into the ten o’clock marker. Time is told with the use of rarely used, blued Breguet-style hands that always look like they know something you don’t. It’s romantic, charming, and very Cartier.
Flip it over and you find an 18K yellow gold caseback engraved with all the right things, including the reference and its correct hallmarks. Inside beats Cartier’s quartz calibre 157. It’s a simple movement with a fresh battery, exactly what you want in something this petite. You wear it, it runs, and nobody has to discuss watch winders.
The watch comes with its original papers dated 2000. You also get a brand-new black lizard strap and the original Cartier 18K yellow gold buckle, which feels like a little victory lap.
Designed as a women’s piece because of the size but honestly it works on anyone who appreciates design that leans into its own oddball charm. If you’re the type who finds joy in small watches that stand out, this little golden acrobat might be the most fun you’ll have.
Overall excellent condition with strong surfaces and crisp details.
The 18K yellow gold case is clean with light natural wear consistent with age.
The white Roman dial is pristine.
The caseback engravings are sharp with clear hallmarks and serials.
The blued Breguet hands and crystal are clean and free of notable marks.
Brand-new black lizard strap paired with the original 18K Cartier tang buckle.
Movement runs properly with a fresh battery installed.
We are here to be your trusted source of romantic vintage watches. We stand behind the products we curate with a 100% authenticity guarantee, a 1 year warranty and a 3-day return policy to ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase.
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