This is the Cartier Gondole Jumbo reference 97050. Introduced during the 1970s as part of the Louis Cartier Collection, the Gondole was named for its subtle resemblance to the shape of a gondola. Characteried by its oversized TV-shaped case with a stepped bezel, the reference stands out as one of the largest shaped cases produced by the brand during the era.

Introduced in two sizes, the Gondole Jumbo is far more prominent. A bold design that is unmistakably Cartier, the Gondole Jumbo blends the outrageous design language of the 70s with classic Cartier aesthetic. Featuring an oversized case with a double-stepped bezel, the reference carries tremendous wrist presence while retaining the traditional Cartier design on the dial with Roman numerals, an inner-minute track and blued steel hands with the recognizable Paris signature at the 6. Powered by the manual-wind Cal. 97 derived from the ultra-thin Frederic Piguet Calibre 21 present in other famous Cartier watches such as the Santos-Dumont, the thinness of the movement allows the Gondole Jumbo to sit flush on the wearer's wrist, rendering the watch simultaneously bold yet discreet.

When one speaks of Cartier, the allure of the brand draws from its unique and distinctive case shapes. As a traditional jewellery powerhouse with a renowned eye for design, Cartier has carved a niche within a crowded space through pure aesthetic execution and the Gondole Jumbo reference 97050 is testament Cartier’s form-first design philosophy that sets the brand apart even today.