SJX
[Purist]
8540
Renaud et Papi and Cartier
Carole Forestier used to work at Renaud et Papi (along with Tony de Haas and a bunch of other luminaries), hence the relationship between the two. R&P continues to supply Cartier with its very top end complicated calibres, like the one you show, as well as the 8 day tourbillon chronograph. As you write these are exceptionally constructed and finished movements - they are delivered to Cartier complete - but they are also costly.
Given the strides Cartier has made in movement development, over two dozen calibres in three years, my personal opinion is that Cartier can do without R&P.
Thanks for the post Foversta.
- SJX
The Calibre Grande Complication: a superlative watch by Cartier
For several years, Cartier has given a new dynamic to its watchmaking pole by deploying considerable human and financial resources. This ambition can be felt in all segments of the collection from a simple 3 hands watch up to a watch with high horological...
Love the movement; hate the case.
I really like the movement design on this piece. It's delicate and visually interesting. The 8 day power reserve is fantastic also. I greatly dislike the case however. It's so large and from the verso practically looks like a Panerai (nothing wrong with P...
It's a nice watch, and tempting in many ways...
...but there are competitive pieces that I would prefer. Cheers, Daos
Sure that in these prices...
Competition is not that big but very fierce! But this watch contributes positively IMHO to the legitimity of Cartier in this very elitist segment. Fx
Calibre case...
As I wrote in the review, I feel the Calibre case more "suitable" for simple watches like this one: It has a quite powerful design so for a daily watch, it is perfect IMHO. For a complex and superlative watch, the story is different. Again, it is just my ...
Thanks Daos for your comments!
Please find below the pic of the Rotonde with the similar movement: I much prefer the slender and more refined Rotonde case. But I prefer the Dial of the calibre. Why life is so complicated? ;) Fx ...
Life is hard for a WIS!
I agree with you that the dial on the Calibre is more inspired, and that this case is better suited to the watch. Life is hard for us, indeed! LOL! :-) Daos
Oh, Papi?
How nice. Wonderful movement finish and overall design. Nice shots, Fx, as always. Thanks for letting us know about this model. Very tempting.... Ken
Very nice...but...
given the huge size they could have done a better job of the sub dials, the missing Tues would really annoy me given that they did a great job of the month dial. 8 day power reserve is essential for a piece like this but it could be smaller with a sleaker...
Thanks Andy for your input.
Andy, please find below the pic of the same watch in the Rotonde case: As you can see, the work on the subdials is different but I prefer the Calibre dial. I understand your point of view and I think that Cartier focussed a lot in keeping its visual ident...
Renaud et Papi and Cartier
Carole Forestier used to work at Renaud et Papi (along with Tony de Haas and a bunch of other luminaries), hence the relationship between the two. R&P continues to supply Cartier with its very top end complicated calibres, like the one you show, as we...
Thanks SJX
Of course we can also add to Anthony and Carole watchmakes like Speake-Marin, the Grönefeld brothers and many more! Thanks for the reminder about the link between Cartier and R&P due to her past. Fx
Impressive movement, but unimpressive design?
There's no doubt, it's a very impressive watch. The movement is beautiful, appears to be extremely well executed in terms of finishing. But something about the dial and case just doesn't bode well with me. I don't know what it is, but the font, the design...
Totally agree with you on this, Patrick...
I think that one of Cartier's greatest strengths is in design, and the co-play between case and dial elements working together in a design. Cartier has proven that they can make a great skeleton watch: the Santos Dumont skeleton from the Fine Watchmaking ...
Great example Bill!
Great example, the Santos skeleton is indeed an atypical Cartier watch, but immediately recognizable as a Cartier design. Thank you for your perfect spot-on sentiments. I couldn't have said it any better.