Drive de Cartier steers towards manly elegance
This year, Cartier reveals a vintage automotive inspired timepiece collection that gears the discerning male connoisseurs with its sophisticated dimension and taut linear design
Inspired by the qualities of the “Drive de Cartier” men – instinct, independence, elegance – the highly distinguished jewellery and watch brand, Cartier, introduces a new collection that delights the men with aptitude for style and freedom. Designed specifically for the pioneers, leaders, and newcomers carving their own paths in life, the Drive de Cartier watch is the watch of a man of passion and continues the long standing tradition of Cartier watches with distinctive shapes.
Unveiled for the first time at SIHH 2016 in Geneva, each design emphasises a different watchmaking mechanic wherein the aesthetic emphasis of the Drive de Cartier watch changes with each different model.
At a glance, Drive de Cartier is undeniably recognizable as a Cartier watch – from the patterning of the guilloché dial to the blue sapphire winding crown. A closer inspection will reveal distinct design elements, such as the cushion-shaped case, the domed crystal, the 6 o’clock counter and textured-satin finish, that ultimately distinguish Drive de Cartier from its watchmaking predecessors.
The case, available in pink gold or steel, is fitted with a black, grey, or white guilloché dial marked by Roman numerals punctuated with sword-shaped hands. The transparent case-back reveals the Manufacture Movement 1904 MC, which is available in two versions: The 1904-PS MC which tells the hours, minutes, and small seconds and date; and the 1904-FU MC which features a retrograde second time zone, a day/night indicator, a large date and small seconds.
The calibre 1904 MC, created in 2010, was among the first movements conceived, developed and assembled by the Cartier Manufacture. The care lavished on calibre 1904 MC, with refined finishes such as the Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges and the oscillating weight, or the polished screw-heads, attests to the high standards of quality to which Cartier holds its movements. This 11 ½ line calibre has been designed to maintain perfect chronometric stability, harnessing a double barrel system to ensure consistency of the mainspring torque over a long period. Fitted with a fine regulating system, the calibre was conceived for the Manufacture to perfectly adjust its chronometry and guarantee that it runs with great precision.
The calibre 1904-FU MC, created in 2014, combines the functions, with the complications coordinated directly by the crown. This movement equips the small complication model of the Drive de Cartier watch.
Meanwhile, not escaping the creativity and innovation of the Maison's watch legacy, a Fine Watchmaking version of Drive de Cartier – Drive de Cartier Flying Tourbillon watch – was also designed within the Cartier Manufacture. Fitted with the mechanical movement with manual winding, calibre 9452 MC, it boasts a "Poinçon de Genève" certification.
Overall, the finishes seem designed to meet the exacting standards of the connoisseur: Textured satin at the sides with polished surfaces for the top and bottom. The taut curves and refined lines construct an identity that is stylish, elegant and modern – the language of Cartier is thus perfectly articulated.
