Tracing its roots back to jewelry, aesthetics is certainly a priority for Cartier. In this year’s Watches and Wonders, Cartier did not disappoint; they released two special edition pieces from the Pasha de Cartier and the Rotonde de Cartier collection, and they are both stunning to behold.
The Rotonde de Cartier in white gold. Only 200 pieces are available.
Rotonde de Cartier
First up, the latest offering from the Rotonde de Cartier collection. This particular collection has always intrigued us, due to the variety of horological complication that it features. On top of that, like most of the Cartier pieces, watches from the Rotonde de Cartier collection are usually very alluring. That makes it even more desirable. The Rotonde de Cartier Large Date, Retrograde Second Timezone, and Day/ Night Indicator is no exception either.
One of the first things that caught our eyes was the Rotonde de Cartier with the blue guilloché dial. Not the complications. Nor the other variants (that comes with the silver guilloché dial). The blue guilloché dial is simply dazzling. Bewitching. Sublime. Or whatever vocabulary that you are able to find in your word bank that describes something that is so magnificent. At the same time, the 42mm 18K white gold case (and the blue jewel that is embedded on the crown) complimented the guilloché dial extremely well. Aesthetics plays a very crucial role in horology, whether one likes it or not. Cartier has certainly got it right here.
The Calibre 1904-FU MC that powers this particular Rotonde de Cartier.
As suggested by the name, this Rotonde de Cartier possesses a number of complications. It features a big date display, a retrograde second time zone, and a day/ night indicator. From the first impression, I mistook the retrograde second time zone as a power reserve of some sort. Well, I can’t be blame for that; it actually does looks like one to those who are unfamiliar with this piece.
The watch is powered by the Calibre 1904-FU MC, an all-new self-winding movement that has got a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. One noteworthy point would be the crown; it allows us to change the timezone by simply pressing it. It is rather tedious to manufacture it, but it makes the watch less cluttered (with the eradication of another pusher at the side of the case).
The Rotonde de Cartier Large Date, Retrograde Second Timezone, and Day/ Night Indicator comes in three different options, as mentioned. The one which we featured, which is also coincidentally our favourite, is finished with a blue dial, and cased in 18K white gold. The other two variants are cased in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold, and coupled with a silver guilloché dial. The white gold variant is also limited in production; only 200 examples will be produced. Guess that just makes it even more desirable now.
The Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif Alligator. What a mouthful!
Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif
Next up, we have the Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif Alligator. As mentioned, Cartier is a jeweler. Hence, it is not surprising that they are focusing on ladies’ timepieces.
In terms of horological value, the Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif Alligator does not really offer much; it is only capable of telling time. However, it thrives in the aspect of design and finishing. A staggering 233 diamonds adorned the case and the skeletonized movement, with a tsavorite bestowed on the “eye” of the dragon. The skeletonized movement takes the shape of a dragon; a mystical creature that is associated with wisdom and potency. Powerful stuffs indeed!
The movement of the Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif Alligator. Intricate is the word to describe this.
The heart of the watch is powered by the Caliber 9617 MC, a manual-winding movement that is capable of a power reserve of around 72 hours. The finishing of the movement is exceptional; even the bridges on the skeletonized movement is engraved to resemble the scales of a dragon. Talking about intricacies and all, Cartier is amongst the top at such handiwork. Well, they are famous for their skeletonized pieces for a reason, right?
The diamond encrusted buckle on the Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif Alligator.
The Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Dragon Motif comes in three variants; it is either coupled with an alligator strap, a white gold bracelet with baguette-cut diamonds, or a rhodium finished white gold bracelet with brilliant-cut diamonds. The latter two are limited to 10 and 20 pieces respectively, whereas the alligator strap versions will be numbered individually. This is going to be another exclusive and elusive piece in the Cartier collection.
