This late-1980s Cartier Must de Cartier Vendôme, reference 590003, is a 30 mm Vermeil quartz watch with a round gold-plated sterling-silver case, Roman-numeral dial, blued hands and Cartier cabochon crown. Its distinctive T-bar lugs give the familiar Cartier dress-watch language a softer, more rounded profile.
Why It’s Special
The Must de Cartier programme brought the maison’s design codes to a wider audience through Vermeil cases and quartz movements. The Vendôme is defined by its round case and T-bar lugs, yet remains unmistakably Cartier through its Roman dial, railroad minute track and blue cabochon crown. In 30 mm, this reference sits in the larger vintage Vendôme format and remains an easy-wearing unisex proposition.
Condition
Original cream lacquer dial remains clean with no visible spotting, moisture damage, or discolouration. Printed Roman numerals are sharp and evenly inked, with original blued steel hands free from corrosion. The vermeil case (sterling silver 925 with approximately 20µm gold plating) shows light, even wear across the case band and lugs with minor edge softening, but no visible breakthrough to base silver in the observed areas. Case-back engravings remain crisp, indicating no aggressive polishing. Correct crown fitted with intact blue cabochon. Mineral crystal is clean, with only light surface marks under reflection. Supplied on a genuine Cartier leather strap showing expected age-related creasing, paired with a Cartier gold-plated buckle displaying light wear.
Performance
Quartz movement running correctly.
Details
Reference: 590003
Movement: Cartier quartz
Serial: 018692 (1988–1990)
Case: 30 mm vermeil (sterling silver 925 with ≈ 20 µm gold plating)
Crystal: Mineral glass
Strap: Genuine Cartier leather strap with Cartier gold-plated buckle
Inclusions: Cartier service pouch
Provenance: Sourced from Japan and inspected in Melbourne
