18ct yellow gold Cartier ref. 97051 jumbo 'Gondole' square wristwatch. 1970

This Cartier Square Gondole Jumbo Paris in 18ct Yellow Gold was Cartier’s answer to the 1970s trend of bold, large-case designs. It is impressive on the wrist and makes the regular Cartier Tank look tiny. The double-stepped bezel helps the watch appear even larger. This "jumbo" model was offered in both 18ct yellow gold and white gold - either in the horizontal orientation seen here as the "TV screen" or a vertical orientation.

Other than the larger case profile, Cartier showed restraint in the Gondole's appearance. The dial is classic white with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands. When a well-known watch design is produced in a larger size, the dial proportion is often missed, but thanks to the brand's meticulous jewellery savoir-faire, Cartier nailed it here. To remain with Cartier's iconic list of design features, the watch's crown is topped by the brand's signature sapphire cabochon.