No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention!

While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank watch, the French firm produced — and continues to produce — numerous other models that deserve equal billing for their unique and sumptuous designs. 

The La Dona is one such design. Launched in 2006, the collection was named after the Mexican star María Félix, whose fans called her La Doña.

This particular La Doña from circa the 2000s, a small model, comes in at 22mm in diameter with a rose gold case, a sapphire crystal, an octagonal sapphire cabochon crown, a lovely, silver guilloché dial with printed black 'Roman' indices, a matching blued-steel handset, and a well-suited maroon alligator strap with a signed rose gold 'Ardillon' pin buckle.

With their asymmetrical-trapezoidal cases, integrated strap (or bracelet) designs, and the story behind its creation, these are a lesser known gem with Cartiers extensive history that are more than worthy of bring brought into the light!