Rotonde de Cartier is a collection in Cartier which focuses a lot on haute horlogerie. In this collection, we have seen many wonderful creations which features complications such as the flying tourbillon and the astrorégulateur. In this SIHH, Cartier presents something that is slightly more subtle for this range: an annual calendar.
The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar, in white gold.
The annual calendar has been a rather popular complication for many, as it helps to eradicate the issue of having to set the date whenever a new month begins (sans February). At the same time, it displays the day, date, as well as the month. Well, there is no wonder why this feature is favored by many collectors.
The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar does exactly the same as other watches in the same genre, except that this one is a little bit outstanding. In terms of aesthetic, this watch is looking rather gorgeous. We also love the fact that the indicators are easy to read, and that it is able to convey the data without cluttering up the entire dial. This watch is excellent in terms of legibility.
The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar features an open caseback which displays the beautiful Caliber 9908MC.
The watch is powered by Cartier’s Calibre 9908MC, a self-winding movement which features a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch, as mentioned, features the annual calendar complication (including a big date display). The movement features 291 components, as well as 32 jewels. The crown and mechanism of the movement are also carefully designed to ensure adjustments are made with ease. This allows the date, day, month, and time to be easily adjusted by simply pulling the crown out to various positions and turning it.
The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar, this time in pink gold.
The finishing on the watch is decent too. We love how Cartier had the guilloched design on both the center dial and the day wheel. We thought the different finishing on various sections on the dial allows it to have some texture and differentiation. It also gave the watch some life, for it would be a little too plain if it is devoid of any touches like these.
The 40mm watch comes in two different variants: in either white gold or pink gold. We thought that this timepiece is an excellent choice for a dress watch: it is decently sized and its design is rather subtle. More importantly, it provides many more information as compared to a three-hand dress watch. You wouldn’t really go wrong with this timepiece.
Specifications from Press Release
Watch
Case: 18-carat white gold/ pink gold
Diameter: 40 mm
Crown: beaded in 18-carat white gold set
with a blue cabochon sapphire
Crystal: sapphire
Case back: sapphire
Hands: blued-steel sword-shaped
or hammer-shaped with a red tip
Case thickness: 13.26 mm
Strap: matt black alligator skin
Clasp: double adjustable folding clasp
in 18-carat white gold
Water-resistance: 3 bar (~30 metres)
Movement
Casing-up diameter: 11½ lines, i.e. 25.6 mm
Total diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Number of jewels: 32
Number of parts: 291
Balance: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Power reserve: approx. 48 hours
