A late-1980s Must de Cartier Vendôme LM in classic vermeil, powered by Cartier’s quartz movement. The larger 29mm LM case houses a clean cream lacquer dial with crisp Roman numerals and blued steel hands — an elegant, balanced design that captures Cartier’s refined dress aesthetic of the period.
Why It’s Special
The Vendôme line represents one of the most understated expressions of the Must de Cartier era. The LM size offers noticeably stronger wrist presence than the SM, while retaining slim proportions and formal versatility. This example presents with a beautifully preserved original dial, sharp case-back engravings, correct cabochon crown, and genuine Cartier strap and buckle — a well-kept and honest piece from Cartier’s late-’80s production.
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 presents 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
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Reference: 590003
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Movement: Cartier quartz
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Serial: 018692 (1988–1990)
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Case: 29 mm vermeil (sterling silver 925 with ≈ 20 µm gold plating)
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Crystal: Mineral glass
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Strap: Genuine Cartier leather strap with Cartier gold-plated buckle
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Inclusions: Cartier service pouch
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Provenance: Sourced from Japan and inspected in Melbourne
