The SIHH 2016 saw Cartier introduce a totally new collection, called “Drive de Cartier”. Inspired by the stylish lines, curves and characteristics of motor cars, this newcollection shows off bold Roman numerals, blued steel sword-shaped hands, a guilloché dial and a blue sapphire on the winding crown – everything we’d like to see in a watch from the famous house.
Looking seemingly irresistible to the touch, these watches come with a tactile appeal similar to that of the Ballon Bleu. The Drive de Cartier collection was build around a 40 mm x 41 mm cushion-shaped case, complemented by a sapphire crystal dome.
References from the world of automobiles include the patterning of the guilloche dial, which resembles the design of a radiator grill, the bolt-shaped crown and the small-seconds counter at 6 o’clock.
The case comes in either 18-carat pink gold or steel, showing off a brass black, grey or white guilloche dial. The transparent case-back reveals the Cartier Manufacture movement 1904 MC, which is available in two self-winding mechanical versions, while fine finishing includes “Côtes de Genève” decoration on the bridges and oscillating weight, with polished screw-heads.
Water resistant to 30 meters, the new collection also includes a Fine Watchmaking version, with a third Manufacture movement: the manual-winding 9452 MC, to power the Drive de Cartier Flying Tourbillon watch certified “Poinçon de Genève”.
Acting as the finishing touch, black or brown alligator leather straps with pink gold or steel deployment buckles will allow this incredible piece to adorn your wrist and make your day better every time you want to tell time.
Come May 2016, you will be able to get one of your own, with the 1904-PS stainless steel costing 6,000€, the pink gold version priced at 18,600€, while the 1904-FU Second Time Zone stainless steel costs 8,400€, with its pink gold version priced at 21,900€.
If you’re willing to pay more, there’s a Flying Tourbillon pink gold version that will set you back 86,500€.
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