Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton Watch Calibre 9461 MC

Floating Motion

What may look like something that was made from outer space, the Rontonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton Watch had my eyes locked in at first sight. Its pure transparency of technical clockwork form, and seeing the Calibre 9461 MC movement’s main plate anchored to the casing via the Cartier signature roman numerals of XII and VI, is pure genius. This aesthetic wonderment forms the structural bridge between Cartier’s signature numerals, producing a floating look and feel to the timepiece.

Front view of the Calibre 9461 MC

Back view of the Calibre 9461 MC

Derived from the ID One and ID Two concepts of innovating watches with performance materials, the use of carbon crystal used in the Astrotourbillon is the first of its kind to be released as a Cartier movement.

The Astrotourbillon has achieved the fine ability to not only keep better timekeeping with the reduction of the effects of gravity but also able to move in a complete circle of the dial, all in a minute. Cartier has upped their game in the watchmaking industry with the Rontonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton Watch that comes in 18 karat white gold and black alligator strap.

Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree Watch

Gold Lace Art

This intricately designed Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree Watch was made from Cartier’s new Maison des Métiers d’Art, that is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Created from exquisitely detailed gold openwork, a fine lace-like look is achieved. Known as the filigree, this is a method in goldsmithing where wires of silver or gold are fused together side by side to form an open grid in a desired design. By doing so, this creates a separate piece from the plate of the watch and with this panther motif, it takes a month to meticulously forge the filigree. With great finesse, custom-cut emeralds are used for the eyes and black lacquer is used as the panthers’ spots with pavé-set diamonds fused into the art work.

Encased in a 18 carat yellow gold 42mm casing with pavé-set diamonds with a dark-blue alligator strap, this elegant deep blue starry sky watch contrasts gorgeously with the gold panther filigree motif. Wouldn’t you want to have this as your wrist candy for the perfect black-tie event? I know I would.

– Another contribution by Laydeh- Images courtesy of Cartier