A late-1980s Must de Cartier Vendôme Vermeil SM featuring the less common Arabic numeral dial configuration. Powered by Cartier’s quartz movement and housed in the smaller 24mm Vendôme case, this reference combines the soft round proportions of the Vendôme line with a more casual and distinctive dial layout compared to traditional Roman numeral variants.
Why It’s Special
Arabic numeral Must de Cartier dials appear far less frequently than standard Roman configurations, giving this piece a noticeably different personality while retaining the classic Cartier design language. The warm cream dial pairs particularly well with the rounded Vendôme case and blued steel hands, creating a softer and more understated vintage look. This example presents especially well visually, with a clean dial and strong overall vermeil tone for the era.
Condition
Clean cream Arabic numeral dial presents very well overall, with crisp printing, no visible spotting, and no obvious moisture damage or dial degradation under normal viewing. Blued steel hands appear correct and well matched to the dial. Mineral crystal shows only light surface wear consistent with careful use. Vermeil case (sterling silver 925 with ≈ 20 µm gold plating) retains strong gold tone overall, with moderate surface scratching and light plating wear visible along high-contact edges and case sides consistent with age and normal wear. Blue cabochon crown appears original and intact. Case-back engravings remain sharp and legible. Fitted on a newer generic leather strap with a generic Cartier-style plated buckle.
Performance: Quartz movement running correctly.
Details
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Reference: 590004
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Movement: Cartier quartz
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Serial: 013453 (1988–1990)
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Case: 24 mm vermeil (sterling silver 925 with ≈ 20 µm gold plating)
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Crystal: Mineral glass
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Strap: Generic leather strap with generic plated buckle
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Inclusions: Cartier service pouch
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Provenance: Sourced from Japan and inspected in Melbourne
