CARTIER: AN 18K GOLD 'LA DONA' WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 2007 Of qu...

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€2,500 - €3,500

CARTIER: AN 18K GOLD 'LA DONA' WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 2007 Of quartz movement, the silvered guilloche asymmetrical tonneau-shaped dial, with Roman numerals ad inner hours and minute track, blued steel hands, fitted burgundy strap with original gold buckle, faceted blue crown, ref. 2904, case no. 83878MX, case, dial, movement and buckle signed, with certificate from Cartier in Milan dated December 25th 2007, with manual booklet and maker's case, case from 20mm to 16mm In 2006, Cartier unveiled ‘La Dona’ watch collection as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mexican actress and singer, María Félix. The collection, designed to honour her extraordinary legacy as both a style icon and a loyal Cartier client, captures the essence of the woman known to her fans as La Doña. The La Dona watch, with its distinctive silhouette, tells a fascinating story, one woven from the deep connection between Maria Félix and the legendary jeweller. This bond dates back to the 1950s when the actress at the height of her fame, became a muse for the Maison. Known for her commanding sense of style and love for bold, statement-making accessories, she frequently turned to Cartier for bespoke creations. It was during this time that her renowned jewellery collection began to take shape, featuring striking pieces like the Snake Necklace and the Crocodile Necklace, two of her most famous Cartier designs. The crocodile, one of María Félix's favourite animals, played a pivotal role in one of the most memorable stories behind her jewellery. Legend has it that Félix brought her pet crocodile to Cartier's Rue de la Paix Paris boutique, hoping it would inspire the master jewellers to recreate the creature as realistically as possible. The result was a necklace that captured the wild elegance of the reptile, cementing Félix's love for animal-themed designs, a theme that Cartier had long been celebrated for. When Cartier launched the 'La Dona' watch in 2006, they paid tribute to the iconic relationship between the designer and María Félix, celebrating her fierce and exotic spirit while incorporating subtle nods to the crocodile that Félix so admired. The watch's trapezoidal case echoes the asymmetrical shape of a crocodile's head. Available in both polished metal and vibrant leather strap options, it offers a modern take on the boldness and elegance that defined Félix's personal style. Its classic dial, featuring black Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands, evokes Cartier's signature timeless elegance, while the faceted crown, topped with a blue stone, adds a touch of refinement. The design is both daring and graceful, perfectly capturing the essence of the woman it honours. Although María Félix passed away in 2002, before ‘La Dona’ watches were introduced, it's easy to imagine that she would have appreciated the watch's bold yet refined design. Today, the pieces she cherished, like her famous Snake and Crocodile Necklaces, live on in Cartier's official heritage collection, frequently displayed in exhibitions around the world. ‘La Dona’ watch collection, like these iconic pieces, serves as a lasting testament to María Félix's legacy, her love for the extraordinary, and her unique place in both Cartier's history and the world of style.