Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux, Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Astrotourbillon, Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon. 2021
Cartier presented three new watches developed around the theme of the tourbillon and combined to two complications dear to the brand: the mysterious and the skeleton.
The connection between Cartier and mystery watches goes back to the first years of the 20th century when Cartier presented the famous mystery clocks, so called because their hands seem to float in the transparent body of the clock, without any apparent link to the movement. In fact, they are attached to two crystal discs fitted with serrated metal edges. Activated by the movement, these discs then turn the two hands.
Created in the Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the three new models offer different interpretations of this watchmaking classic. All of them are issued in numbered limited editions of just 5 pieces.
Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux
In this model, the space dedicated to the hidden gears has been reduced to the bare minimum. The tourbillon carriage integrates not only the watch’s regulating organ but also the entire wheel train from the barrel to the balance which is all carried by a sapphire disc. The elongated carriage ensures the function of the minute hands and completes one revolution of the dial every hour.
The 43.5 mm x 11.9 mm platinum case features a winding crown set with an aquamarine cabochon matching the colour of the alligator-skin strap.
The hand wound manufacture movement Calibre 9462 MC beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 55 hours.
Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Astrotourbillon
The hand wound manufacture 9461 MC calibre of this model presents two main peculiarities. First, the tourbillon carriage has a specific rotation axis situated at the centre of the movement. Secondly, this tourbillon carriage is positioned “above” the movement and not directly integrated into the movement, as is the case with a classic tourbillon. The autonomy of the movement is 48 hours.
The entirely skeleton movement displays oversized Roman numerals, a Cartier signature, acting as bridges.
Crafted from platinum, the case has a diameter of 47 mm with a thickness of 14.9 mm. The winding crown is set with an aventurine cabochon.
Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon
Framed by a 45 mm x 11.9 mm platinum case, the skeletonised dial features a flying tourbillon that, unlike the classic tourbillon, has no upper bridge. It performs a complete rotation in 60 seconds and appears to be floating completely free in space, with no visible connection to any gear train. The illusion becomes even more striking when the same tourbillon carriage performs a second rotation, completing an orbit every five minutes.
Beating at the frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), the hand-wound Calibre 9565 MC offers a power reserve of 52 hours. The winding crown is set with a jade cabochon.
The 5 sets of watches are delivered in a precious, lacquered box in gradations of green, blue and grey celebrating the art of wood marquetry. Tiny pieces of wood form a pattern made of three interlocking spirals. At the centre of each one, an optical lens reveals the dial of a watch.
The wooden marquetry box also includes a travel pouch in alligator leather and a pair of white gold cufflinks with three interchangeable stone bars in sodalite, jade and blue quartz. cartier.com
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