Cartier Fabergé 78101 1975

Cartier Fabergé Paris Dial 78101, 18K Yellow Gold, Secret Signature
Serial: 781011371
Circa: 1975
Reference No.: 78101

CASE: 27 mm wide x 33mm tall, 18K yellow gold

DIAL: White dial with Roman numerals, blued hands, Paris signed at the bottom, Cartier secret signature in the Roman numeral VII (7).

MOVEMENT: Caliber 78-1, manual wind mechanical, 17 jewels

BRACELET: Alligator strap with 18K gold Cartier tang buckle

CONDITION REPORT: Excellent overall condition, unpolished, dial is mint and has its original vintage gold buckle. Overall spectacular example.

NOTES: In 1973, Cartier launched, and in several cases relaunched, a dozen different models under the Louis Cartier line including the Ceinture, Gondole, Cristallor, Coussin and even the Tank Normale. The Faberge is often confused with its predecessor the Incurvé, which has a hollow case shell vs a solid one in this case and is slightly more curved. Although they do look similar from the front.
In addition, although Paris and Swiss signed dials exist for these 1973 launched models, it is unclear exactly when Cartier began using its secret signature in the Roman numeral VII (7 o'clock). It is presumable that the secret or hidden signature began appearing in the mid 1970's like this example.