Cartier

The first watch from the Fine Watchmaking collection to be reveald is the Rotonde de Cartier Cadran Lové Tourbillon watch. It is actually a variant of the ladies' tourbillon with crocodile launched at SIHH 2012 but replacing the crocodile are oversized skeletonised Roman numerals, building on the theme very successfully applied to the Santos skeleton watches for example.

 

The case is white gold and a generous 46.2 mm wide.

Though I can't commend this for technical innovation since it's the same calibre as before, it is a beautifully executed watch.

The crocodile tourbillon 

Rotonde de Cartier Cadran Lové flying tourbillon watch, Calibre 9458 MC
Case: 18K grey gold
Diameter: 46.20 mm
Crown: Beaded, set with a cabochon sapphire
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire
Water-resistance: 30 m
Strap: Black semi-matt alligator skin
Buckle: Double adjustable deployant buckle in 18 carat grey gold
Calibre 9458 MC, flying tourbillon, Geneva Seal

Movement: Manufacture mechanical movement, manual-winding
Diameter: 17 ½ lines (39 mm)
Thickness: 5.58 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Number of parts: 167
Balance: 21,600 vibrations/hour
Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
Individually numbered movement
Limited series of 100 individually numbered timepieces

- SJX

 

This message has been edited by SJX on 2011-11-05 06:10:14

I'm sure that a smaller case would be much better for this watch especailly when we look at the dial layout.

Thanks a lot for the presentation SJX!

Fx

The movement itself is fairly large so to accommodate the asymmetric design with oversized numbers the size is unavoidable. Admittedly the size is large but I'm sure it will look quite stunning in the metal.

- SJX

I understand that for a watch liek the AstroTourbillon a large size is required.

I always perfectly know that the size is some cases is a consequence of the technical options.

But it is not always the same story.

Let's take this one:





I really believe that a smaller case would be a better option...

I'm really impressed by the work done by the watchmakers and designers with the Haute Horlogerie collection. But I would like to see more often in this collection the subtle elegancy of the Collection Privée.

Maybe it is the reason why I love the Rotonde Heures Sautantes...

Fx

but that's not one of my favourites either.

- SJX

and numerals of varying size on the edge reminds me of an AP millenary watch, which I like.  I have to agree that maybe a few mm smaller would be more appealing.

 

Stewart

the masculine version of the Crocodile watch?

This is the same movement but in a man's watch.

- SJX

I start with a disclosure:  The current Mrs MTF and I love Cartier.

We have bought each other something Cartier at least twice a year since 2000.  The starting year is an 'in' joke in the MTF family.......something to do with a new Age and new Prospects.  Please: no pedantics about the start of the millennium in 2001 

This Cartier watch is too big....period.

I won't go into the aesthetics and design debate because that is opinion and subjective.  Cartier was known for their style and elegance; the go-to Maison, if in doubt for all things jewellery and horology.

 

I focus only on the practical and logistic:  comfort is compromised and bruising potential on the back of the hand is higher with a watch of this monstrous dimension.

Quod erat demonstratum.

 

Regards,

MTF

 

Does sound large.  The AP Millenary at 42 x 47 actually wears quite comfortable, but a round watch over 46mm is ginormous.