Watches & Wonders 2020: Cartier Releases

Cartier curates some very impressive models every year, so we were eagerly anticipating this release of delightful timekeeping instruments from them.

Their beautiful cabochon-adorned crowns, blued steel hands and innovative mix of precious materials have made a return with limited edition models from the new Santos-Dumont line, the unique-looking Prive collection and the iconic square-within-a-circle  Pasha de Cartier range.

Read on to learn a little bit more about what Cartier has in store this coming year. Exclusive information has come from the Watches Wonders virtual show this year, which brings us information fresh from Geneva.

Cartier Prive Tank “Asymetrique” collection (Skeleton)

The Asymétrique was first launched in 1936 and is the fourth watch from the Prive line, which also features the Crash, the Tonneau and Cintree models. It departs from the familiar round case shape. Instead, it boasts a rectangular case crafted from platinum, pink gold or yellow gold. The concept behind the Cartier Prive watches is to simplify the time for the wearer. If you like your limited edition Cartier watches – these elegant timepieces will certainly appeal to you. Just 100 of each design will be released, adding to their exclusivity and rareness.

Two of the most distinct characteristics of the Cartier Prive watch is its off-centre hour track, leaning Arabic numerals and its third lug, which runs up the middle of the watch’s leather strap. Set with a cabochon gemstone on the top of each crown, these watches are certainly designed to feel incredibly luxurious on the wrist. Cartier has also produced a skeletonised version of the Cartier Prive Tank “Asymetrique” watch in platinum, rose gold and yellow gold. The timepieces feature blue steeled hands, matching blue off-centre hour markers and a reliable in-house powered movement (the 9623 MC) capable of a 48-hour power reserve.

Pasha de Cartier 41mm / 35mm (and skeleton)

The relaunched Pasha models look similar in some ways to one model, in particular, created in 1985, boasting a unique square inside a circle. The inner minute track is where we see the corners of each square interact with a gold or steel perfectly rounded bezel. The new Cartier Pasha watches are available in a 35mm and 41mm case. The difference between the two variations is that the larger size offers a date option at 4:30 and the smaller model goes without one. The gold version of the 41mm Pasha watch is crafted from 18ct yellow gold whilst the ladies 35mm Pasha watch is crafted from 18ct rose gold.

Like the 1985 version, the crown cover is attached to the case. Unscrewing this area reveals a small space to get a special message inscribed should you wish. A quick-change "QuickSwitch" system will allow you to swap the bracelet over with a leather band. The steel version is also integrated with a “SmartLink” system which requires no tools to perform the switch-over. Thanks to nickel-phosphorus and paramagnetic alloys, the Cartier calibre 1847 MC provides a smooth and unfaltering performance inside its 100-meter water-resistant housing.

Cartier Santos-Dumont Limited Editions;

 

Lastly, we wanted to talk about the latest Santos-Dumont watches. The three large-sized models are tributes paid to aircraft pioneer Santos Dumont himself. First, let’s take a look at the similarities they share. They’re all powered by the hand-wound 430 MC Calibre which is an in-house developed engine fitted behind a specially engraved caseback bearing the name of the aircraft itself. The “Le Bresil” variation (priced at £16,100) is an all-silver design. Cartier has produced just 100 pieces worldwide. No doubt it will earn a place in collections owned by the most dedicated of Cartier watch fans. Its titanium case is streamlined and adorned with a ruby tipped crown.

The “La Baladeuse” model (priced at £12,300) is limited to 300 pieces. Shades from its 18ct yellow gold case combine beautifully with a champagne coloured dial, with flecks of blue seen in the sapphire-tipped crown and a set of blued steel hands powered by that same 430 MC movement.

The "No. 14 Bis," Cartier watch (priced at £6,200) will be more widely available. The 500 models crafted in a mix of stainless steel and gold are completed on a dark grey strap matched with a grey sunburst dial. Gold hands on the dial are perfectly paired with the distinct Roman numeral hour markers that have come to be so recognised with the Cartier Santos’ design.

These Cartier watches with a subtle sporty design tell a story of the brand’s heritage in creating expertly operating aviation tools, so if the Santos has always been your favourite Cartier watch, it’s worth registering your interest in one of these limited edition models before they sell out. Cartier has also developed a limited-to-30-pieces platinum version - the Santos-Dumont “La Demoiselle” watch with an acru coloured dial and Panama -style strap.

Cartier Maillon de Cartier collection

One of the most exciting releases from Cartier in 2020 was a new collection-, Maillon de Cartier. It's a relatively small design completed on a luxurious twisted link bracelet and powered by a quartz movement. The thickness of the bracelet is the same as the depth of the watch itself, enabling the entire design to sit against the wrist in quite a contemporary way. The models come in options of 18ct white gold and rose gold with a diamond set bezel, but there's also a white gold and rose gold full diamond pave variation. The 18ct yellow gold version foregoes the use of any diamonds, offering a smooth finish. The Maillon de Cartier collection is yet another iteration of what the brand does best- sophisticated dress watches with a modern touch. These glamorous wristwatches are characterised by a silvered dial, black traditional Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hands. We're now stocking the plain 18ct yellow gold (priced at £22,500), along with the 18ct rose gold (£27,800) and white gold diamond set bezel (priced at £30,000) iterations here at Berry's.