Background

Just a couple of years ago, the Cartier Bamboo models were well-respected, fetching standard prices hovering around 5 thousand USD. Nowadays, the model is not found on any marketplace with one coming up every few months and selling within days for tens of thousands USD. So what is all the hype about and what types of models were made in this 1970s lineup?

“Coussin” & “Bamboo”

The bamboo pieces in question come in a variety of case sizes all in 18k gold with a manual winding or quartz movement. From the 70s came the manual winding Bamboo Coussin, the feature of this article, which was produced in 4 different sizes and 2 different materials as outlined below. The title “Coussin” is derived from the French word for cushion as the case shape is similar to an indented cushion as depicted in the photo below. Cartier also produces a modern “Cartier Coussin de Cartier” that retails for over 30 thousand USD but retains a more uniform, squarish shape when compared to the original Cartier Bamboo Coussin.

The Cartier bamboo from the 2000s in quartz more closely depicts a bamboo shoot with rounded edges and segmented indentations. Traditionally, the title “Cartier Bamboo” referred to this model, however, the Bamboo Coussin from the 70s ultimately is a combination of the gold, bamboo-shaped edges, and the “Coussin” cushion shape. Both models are highly sought after, selling within days after being brought to market between 15 and 30 thousand USD (2023).

Bamboo Coussin Models Types & Sizes

There were 4 different sizes produced in two types of 18k gold: white and yellow. The different sizes are as follows:

Jumbo: 28.3 x 36.3 mm — — — — — — — — Large: 27 x 35 mm

Medium: 26 x 32 mm —— — — — — — — — Small: 20 x 26 mm

The medium through the jumbo models tended to be fitted with an 18k clasp while the small versions usually retained an 18k buckle. Additionally, the dial either presents “swiss” or “paris” on the bottom as commonly done with similar models in the 70s like the Cartier Faberge.

Left: @Caliber1000 and Right: @jewelryslang via Instagram

The two different materials include yellow gold as depicted above and white gold as shown below:

Of course, the white gold models fetch higher prices at market as they are rarer along with the larger sizes. Please find an example of a caseback below, four 18k gold screws hold the case together, and the case is marked with the serial # on the back (along with varying markers like 18K or Paris, but not always). Overall, these variations represent the diversity in the lineup and all of them accent the unique, bamboo-shaped ridges.

Conclusion + Rarity

Ultimately, the market decides the rarity of a particular model, and a notable Cartier Bamboo Coussin sale occurred earlier this year at Hindman Auctions, with a jumbo example fetching 34 thousand USD at auction (March 2023). This piece was in great condition, however, it is worth noting that no other examples are listed at market, so this was the only one available at the time. In November of 2023, Antiquorum sold a large Cartier Bamboo Coussin for $50,000 CHF (~$55,000 USD) marking a historical amount for this Cartier line.

In my own market tracking, I witnessed one large example listed at 30 thousand USD in the summer of 2023 on Chrono24 and it was marked as sold within several days (the final sale price unknown). I also saw a quartz Cartier Bamboo (not a Coussin) listed (September 2023) at 20 thousand USD and marked as sold again within a couple of days.

The amount of Cartier Bamboo Coussins that were produced is a mystery with some estimates being in the range of several hundred, far less than the amount of Cartier Crashes produced. While the amount is speculated, it's certainly close to correct based on the amount that comes to auction and market. Its design certainly embodies the flow of the market towards more unique, “artistic” pieces away from the traditionally dominant steel sports models.