Cartier Stepped Jumbo "Paris"

Specifications

Brand: Cartier 
Model: Stepped Case Jumbo
Reference: 1543
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Material: Plaqué Or G20 (gold-plated steel)
Dimensions: 28mm × 38mm
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Lume: None
Movement: Manual-winding, ETA 2512 (Cartier Caliber 78-1)
Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
Lug Width: 17mm
Box/Papers: No

Description

The Cartier Stepped Case Jumbo Ref. 1543 represents the Paris iteration of one of the maison’s most discreet yet compelling 1970s designs. Distinguished by its elegant stepped case architecture, this reference features a small crown, a snap-on caseback without visible screws, and notably no recessed crown guard, setting it apart from its London counterpart.

The caseback is engraved in French, reflecting its Parisian origin, while concealing internal serial numbers—an understated signature of Cartier production during this era. Inside beats the ETA 2512, branded as Cartier Caliber 78-1, a manually wound movement aligned with Cartier’s philosophy at the time: offering refined, design-forward watches positioned as accessible entry points into haute horlogerie.

Produced in gold-plated steel (Plaqué Or G20), the Ref. 1543 was manufactured in very limited numbers, estimated at only a few hundred pieces before being discontinued in 1976. Among these, the blue dial variant stands as the rarest and most captivating configuration, with only a couple hundred examples believed to have ever been made—an exceptional rarity within Cartier’s stepped-case lineage.

Elegant, architectural, and unmistakably 1970s, this Stepped Case Jumbo embodies Cartier’s mastery of form over excess, making it a quietly powerful collector’s piece with strong historical and aesthetic appeal.