Cartier’s astounding calibres

Every one of Cartier’s creations is endowed with the most precision driven calibre in modern generation that is built by experienced and skilled craftsmen. Some of these movements were showcased at the 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, where sixteen of the best horology brands came together in a unique display of their latest novelties

The Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication

The Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication features a multifaceted 9406 MC calibre, which consists of many components that total 578. The movement took an astonishing five years to develop, resulting in an extra-flat self-winding mechanism, measuring just 5.49mm in thickness and boasting 47 jewels. Three of the most prestigious fine watchmaking complications have been united within the “Poinçon de Genève” certified timepiece; a flying tourbillon, a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater, which are securely ensconced in a 45mm platinum case.  The heart of the watch beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has an impressive power reserve of 50 hours.

Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon

Created by Cartier in 2010, the Astrotourbillon Skeleton watch is limited to just a hundred pieces and is energised by a mechanical 9461 MC calibre, that offers a new vision of the traditional tourbillon design. Unlike tradition tourbillons which guarantee better timekeeping and reduce the effects of gravity whilst rotating around their own axis, the Astrotourbillon is distinguished by its elongated cage that enables the balance to make a complete circle of the dial in a minute. Housed in an 18-carat white gold case that measures 47mm in diameter, the manual winding movement consists of 233 components, 23 jewels and measures a thickness of 8.89mm. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the movement stores 48 hours of power reserve.

Crash Skeleton Watch

Powered by a 9618 MC calibre, the unlikely design by Cartier incorporates a skeletonised dial that is supported in an asymmetrical platinum case that measures 9.62mm in thickness. Standard Cartier movements would not fit into such a case, hence a specially designed “crashed” movement was built with the dimensions 38.5mm x 21.2mm, to ensure the watch functioned as expected. The resulting movement has a thickness of 3.97mm and consists of 138 components and 20 jewels. Working on a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the Crash Skeleton timepiece has a remarkable power reserve of 3 days.

Rotonde de Cartier Reversed Tourbillon

The spacious off-centre dial of the Rotonde de Cartier Reversed Tourbillon limits the watch functions to just hours, minutes and seconds and upholds the tradition of fine guilloché that encompasses the tourbillon within an 18-carat white gold case. Absent of hour markers, the dial focuses on the inner workings of the watch that proudly showcases the flying tourbillon nestled in the hollow of the seconds aperture. The watch is powered by a 9458 MC calibre that has a diameter of 39mm and measures 5.58mm in thickness. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the movement is built using 167 components and 19 jewels. The 46mm timepiece has a surprising power reserve of 50 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.

Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar

The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar is designed to feature optimal functionality by displaying several points of reference on the dial; months appear on a rotating disc, a large date window is fitted at 12 o’clock and seven apertures circle the edge of the dial to announce the days. These functions can be adjusted from the rapid turning of the beaded 18-carat white gold crown that protrudes from the 40mm 18-carat white gold or rose gold case. The timepiece is energised by a 9908 MC calibre that has a diameter of 30mm and a thickness of 5.9mm. It is built using 291 components and 32 jewels and stores an ample power reserve of 48 hours, while the heart of the watch hums at a steady 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Double Tourbillon

Powered by a 9454 MC calibre, this certified “Poinçon de Genève” timepiece comes in a 45mm 18-carat pink gold case that is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres. The mechanical Manufacture movement with a manual winding function is constructed from 242 parts and 25 jewels which measures a total diameter of 35.5mm and a thickness of 5mm. The timepiece is powered at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and has an ample power reserve of 52 hours. The white guilloché dial prominent features a tourbillon mechanism that seems to float in a black disc at the 6 o’clock position.

Tank Louis Cartier Skeleton Sapphire

Powered by a 9622 MC calibre, this rectangular shaped timepiece comes in a 30mm x 39.2mm 18-carat pink gold case that purposefully supports a beaded crown that is set with a blue sapphire cabochon. The height of the 18-carat pink gold case measures 7.45mm and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres, while inside, the mechanical manual winding movement is structured from 159 components that include 21 jewels. Its cased-up dimensions measure 26mm x 26.3mm and the thickness is simply 3.6mm allowing the Tank Louis Cartier Skeleton Sapphire to run at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and store an impressive power reserve of 3 days.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier

This remarkable timepiece oozes elegance and class with an array of sparking diamonds in a revolutionary new setting that constantly stimulates technical innovation. The so-called “trembling setting” technique enables the diamonds to move freely, pulsating without restraint, enabling Cartier to create a modern and feminine timepiece that is truly unique. This captivating piece is limited to 20 numbered pieces and is fitted with the extra-thin 430 MC mechanical movement that is manually wound.  210 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 3.38 carats are set within the 42mm 18K white gold case, while the eye-catching dial features 123 vibrant, brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 3.46 carats.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier – Orchid Granulation and Mother-of-Pearl

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier features an orchid granulation engraving that becomes a striking Cartier creation that is skilfully housed in a 42mm diameter 18-carat yellow gold case set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The feminine dial becomes the focal feature of the timepiece as it is engraved with an orchid motif in exquisite mother-of-pearl with red enamel detailing that is set against an 18-carat yellow gold background with 22-carat yellow gold granulation on top.  Powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, this watch is a limited edition of 40 individually numbered timepieces and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.