Cartier Looks At Man Though Its Watch Collection
Cartier is inviting all men to get up close to iconic pieces from its archive to its innovative concept watches – Cartier ID One and Cartier ID Two – and exceptional creations from the Fine Watchmaking and leather goods collections.
Hosted on Harrods’ Ground Floor, and taking over four of the Brompton Road windows, the Man By Cartier exhibition looks to the future of Cartier watch making by way of its past, displaying iconic pieces alongside its most innovative concept watches.
Here are four models that will help you immerse yourself by way of the past, present and future of Cartier watchmaking:
1911 – Based on the original wristwatch designed for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, the Santos is characterised by its geometric form, rounded corners and harmoniously-shaped joints; an early expression of Art Deco style. Since its commercial release in 1911, the Santo-Dumont line has gone through tremendous change to transform into a contemporary icon.
This particular model is the Santos-Dumont Skeleton Carbon watch, which may look familiar since it was the editor’s pick last week. Click here, for more information. Priced at $55,000.
1919 – First created by Louis Cartier in 1917 and brought to market two years later, the now-iconic Tank watch has inspired countless variations yet always managed to preserve its distinctive identity.
This particular model is from the 1920s, and its case measures 33mm, which would have been conventional for men back then. Although it’s a museum piece, it is available for purchase should you be interested. POA.
2007 – Defined by the convex curves of its case, the Ballon Bleu floats like a balloon through the world of Cartier watchmaking. A truly handsome design, it is finished with a sapphire cabochon-set crown nestled safely in its side. The model above is the Ballon Bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon 2nd Time Zone in pink gold, which offers an original combination of two complications: the flying tourbillon and the double time zone with jumping hours.
While it is an authentic traveler’s watch, the features of the Ballon Bleu makes it appealing to all lovers of Fine Watchmaking who can peer through the openwork dial to admire the finish of this movement 9456MC certified with the “Poinçon de Genève.” Priced at $160,000.
2010 – Contemporary yet refined, the Calibre de Cartier is equipped with the new Manufacture Cartier movement, 1904 MC. A perfect combination of sporting masculinity and exceptional expertise, it fits seamlessly into an active lifestyle. This particular Calibre de Cartier is the Diver, the Maison’s first diving instrument. A powerful accurate watch with water-resistance to 300 metres, maximum-precision unidirectional turning bezel coated with ADLC and time-control displays in Super-LumiNova®. Powered by a 1904 MC movement, it combines the strict technical requirements of ISO 6425 and the striking design of the Calibre de Cartier watch. Finally, it comes with a steel strap, which has been long-awaited since the Diver’s release earlier this year. Priced at $9,800.
Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Cartier website. A veritable sanctuary for watch enthusiasts and fans of the finer things alike,The Man By Cartier runs at Harrods until Wednesday 19th November.