The Magician's Code

Cartier also presents a Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in the Rotonde de Cartier series, the first in its fine watchmaking line, equipped with its manufacture calibre 1904-CH MC. The automatic movement, with a 48-hour power reserve, features a retrograde day and column wheel chronograph. The watch comes in either a 42mm 18k white gold case with silver dial, or a very attractive rose gold case and chocolate dial.

Extending its Calibre de Cartier line, the brand presents a sporty chronograph featuring the in-house movement 1904-CH MC. The timepiece retains the aesthetics of its predecessor (hours and minutes only) with the three-date aperture and prominent crown guards. The new Calibre de Cartier Chronograph is offered in rose gold or steel with the option of a leather strap or bracelet of the same material.

For its art piece, Cartier introduces the Rotonde de Cartier 42mm Panther with Granulation. Hours and minutes are shown on a golden dial with an image of a panther, which sounds quite straightforward until you zero in on how the motif was created. Using an ancient technique from the Etruscans, balls of different sizes are made using threads of 22k gold that are cut and then heated over a flame. The balls, or granules, are then assembled one by one and fused with the gold plate to create the relief. The watch is a test in patience, like a microscopic jigsaw puzzle requiring countless hours to complete, and as such will be sold only in a limited series of 20 pieces. The 42mm watch comes in an 18k yellow gold case with 306 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel.

The manufacture is obviously pulling out all the stops to make its mark in the fine watchmaking world, and this year’s unveiling attests to a continuing desire to play the magician, with pieces created to astound and impress.