Cartier Colisée: Quiet Sophistication in a Classic Round Form

While Cartier’s Tank and Santos watches are icons in their own right, the Cartier Colisée offers something more understated—yet no less refined. Produced from the 1970s through the 1990s, the Colisée stands out for its perfectly circular case, clean lines, and architectural influences, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Roman Colosseum.

Design and Origins

The Colisée’s name reflects its defining feature: a round case that breaks away from the angular forms typically associated with Cartier’s more famous models. With a broad bezel, vertical lugs, and an integrated strap attachment, its silhouette is both distinctive and harmonious.

Typical features include Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a cabochon-set crown—all classic Cartier design elements. Most Colisée models were made in 18k yellow gold, with proportions usually ranging from 24 to 27mm, making it a graceful choice for a smaller wrist.

The Must de Colisée: A Vermeil Variation

In the 1990s, Cartier introduced the Must de Colisée, a variant that stayed true to the original design while using different materials. These watches feature a case made of gold-plated sterling silver, known as vermeil, and typically run on quartz movements.

The Must de Colisée maintains the same visual identity—Roman numerals, a minimalist dial, and a leather strap—but at a more approachable price point. For collectors or first-time vintage buyers, it offers a chance to own a piece of Cartier history without the higher cost of solid gold models.

A Watch with Enduring Style

Though not as widely known as other Cartier creations, the Colisée reflects the brand’s ongoing interest in combining elegant forms with historical references. Its name, shape, and dial details speak to Cartier’s heritage of drawing from classical art and architecture, while maintaining a timeless, wearable aesthetic.

With recent interest in vintage Cartier growing—especially through reissues in the Privé Collection—models like the Colisée are gaining renewed appreciation among collectors.

The Cartier Colisée is a vintage watch that blends architectural inspiration with discreet elegance. Whether in solid gold or vermeil, its design has a lasting appeal that suits both everyday wear and more formal occasions. For those looking beyond Cartier’s most famous models, the Colisée offers a refined alternative worth discovering.