SIHH: Introducing The Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux Watch

One of Cartier’s two new collections launched at SIHH, the ‘Dynamics of Cartier’s Fine Watchmaking’, includes a number of signature watches: The Astromystérieux, Skeleton, Crash, Rotonde Earth and Moon.

Today, we’re showcasing the Rotonde de Cartier Astromysterieux watch, a piece so magical, it’s almost beyond the limits of our imagination.

As far back in 1912, the first mystery clock, dubbed Model A, left the Cartier workshop. And now, in 2016, the Rotonde de Cartier Astromysterieux watch opens a new chapter in the mystery watch series by the French Maison.

Inspired by the first Mysterious Hour and Mysterious Double Tourbillon models, the Astromystérieux breaks boundaries by marrying the central rotation of an escapement with the axis of the watch’s hands.

Just as a conventional tourbillon would, the Astromystérieux depends on a revolving cage, whose movement is powered by a fixed wheel connected to the barrel. But what distinguishes the Astromystérieux is the central rotation of its mysterious flying cage over a period of one hour, encompassing not only the escapement and balance-wheel, but also the gear train and barrel. The Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux includes a unique calibre 9462 movement.

Bound to stir up interesting conversations at a party, the 43.5 mm watch sits elegantly on the wrist. Thanks to a 12mm thick case crafted from 950/1000 palladium, the piece has a brilliant luster that shines differently than gold or platinum. The piece is further complimented by a black alligator-skin strap.
The piece is available in a limited edition of 100 numbered pieces. The Rotonde de Cartier Astromysterieux watch is also available in baguette-cut gem-set versions.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Cartier website. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.