Cartier La Dona de Cartier 22mm Watch

Q: What are the key details of this La Doña de Cartier 22 mm watch?
A: It is a stainless-steel ladies’ watch with a 22 mm trapezoidal case, a cream/silver-tone dial with black Roman numerals, blued-steel hands, a sapphire cabochon crown and a sapphire crystal. It features Cartier’s integrated, scale‑style bracelet and a quartz movement. Approximate water resistance is 30 metres. This example dates to 2009.

Q: Is the movement quartz or mechanical?
A: The small 22 mm steel La Doña models are powered by a high‑accuracy quartz movement (often noted by dealers as Cartier calibre 059 for this size). Quartz offers excellent timekeeping and low maintenance compared with mechanical movements.

Q: Is the La Doña collection still in production?
A: The La Doña line was introduced in 2006 and is no longer in Cartier’s current catalogue. Today it is collected and traded on the pre‑owned market.

Q: Is it water‑resistant and can I swim with it?
A: The model is rated to around 30 metres/3 ATM when new, which is suitable for occasional splashes and light rain, but not for swimming, showering or submersion. As this is a vintage piece, seals may have aged; water resistance should always be re‑tested after any battery change or service.

Q: What wrist size will this watch fit, and can the bracelet be adjusted?
A: This example currently fits a wrist up to 15 cm. The integrated bracelet can be sized by adding or removing links. Extra links are not included with this piece; a Cartier boutique or qualified watchmaker may be able to source additional links subject to availability.

Q: What do the references 2902 and W660012I mean?
A: Cartier uses several codes for the same model. Dealers commonly refer to the small stainless‑steel La Doña as W660012I, while 2902 is another reference/case code seen on the same variant. Both identifiers are associated with the 22 mm small steel La Doña.

Q: What inspired the La Doña design?
A: The watch pays tribute to Mexican cinema icon María Félix, a famed Cartier client. Its tapered, asymmetrical case and the scale‑pattern bracelet echo the crocodile jewellery created for her.

Q: What exactly is included with this item?
A: This listing is for the watch only; no accessories are included. All included items are always listed under Accessories on the product page.

Q: How often will the battery need replacing?
A: Cartier advises that quartz batteries typically last around three years in normal use. During a battery service, authorised centres replace the battery and gaskets and pressure‑test the watch.

Q: How should I care for a vintage La Doña?
A: Avoid impacts, magnets and moisture; wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wear; and store separately to minimise scratches. Have the battery and seals serviced by a qualified watchmaker, and request a water‑resistance test if you plan to wear it near water. A light professional refinish can reduce surface marks, but we avoid heavy polishing to preserve the watch’s original lines.

Q: How do you authenticate this watch?
A: Every piece at A Retro Tale undergoes multi‑point authentication by our in‑house experts, including checks of materials, dial and print quality, movement and case stamps, finishing and serial/reference details. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional photos or details on request.