Please find this 18k Cartier Bamboo Coussin from the 1970s, small in size with its original 18k clasp. The case houses a 17J signed Cartier manual winding movement. It is said that the bamboo was produced in smaller numbers than the Cartier Crash and is one of the most desired vintage models to date with a Jumbo model fetching $55,000 USD at auction this month (11/2023).

The dial retains wear from over the years, particularly around the 2-4 o’ clock area, please see photos for condition. There is a small ding on the bottom of crystal, noticeable under a loupe. Additionally, the dial is marked Paris on the bottom. The caseback is marked with the serial number and queen head, which indicates it’s a very early example in production.

This piece is the small version at 26 x 20 mm and embodies the perfect vintage Cartier piece with extremely few produced. Components of the piece are original and genuine Cartier with a modern strap, original 18k clasp, and the movement runs very well under a timegrapher. One of the last Bamboo Coussins that will sell for under 20 thousand USD.

Please reach out via the contact form for purchasing options or additional photo requests. Also available for purchase on Chrono24.

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*Our Article on the The Cartier Bamboo Coussin*

Coussin vs 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.

Of course, the white gold models fetch higher prices at market as they are rarer along with the larger sizes. 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.