WHL
[VC Moderator]
4922
A look at the Rontonde de Cartier Calendar and Power Reserve
I would like to extend on foversta’s recent and excellent review of the Rontonde de Cartier Large Date, Retrograde Second Timezone, and Day/Night Watch ( cartier.watchprosite.com ) by taking a close look at the Rotonde de Cartier Calendar and Power Reserve:
I view these models as bringing the best of the Fine Watchmaking collection to a broader audience with small complications (or “signature complications” in Cartier’s term) such as power reserve and GMT (I am the only one who would like to see Cartier make a great watch with phases of the moon indication?). That Cartier is now employing these movement in stainless steel cases brings these fine timepieces to a very affordable price point. The watch above, reference W1556369, has a retail value of just $8600. It is also offered in rose gold with silver dial and white gold with gray dial, the latter of which is a limited edition of 200 pieces.
The case is a very wearable 40 mm in diameter, and it is just under 9 mm thick: the perfect size for a dress watch. The crown adds some panache not only with the characteristic blue spinel cabochon, but also with it fluted decoration and tapered shape.
The black alligator strap has an attractive large grain and the double adjustable deployant buckle allows for fine tuning the fit and gives a clean look as there are no holes as on most straps.
The dial is my favorite element of this watch, with the bold Roman numbers (secret Cartier signature in the VII), inner guilloché, and blue steel hands all hallmarks of the brand. I am coming to appreciate the larger date apertures on Cartier timepieces (and from those from other brands too) which show three dates, allowing the wearer to figure the date by context even when the minute hand obscures the actual date.
The power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock balance the date at 12, and is set in a recessed fan shape with two differently sized snail finished segments, and elegant touch.
The guilloché pattern nicely enhances the legibility of the watch by repeating its outwardly radiating pattern every hour, and it comes alive when viewed at different angles or in changing light.
The blued steel pomme hands are easily legible over the silvered dial.
The Rotonde de Cartier Calendar and Power reserve is powered by Cartier’s manual winding caliber 9753 MC, which is hidden behind a solid case back. The winding feel is smooth, and the watch quickly gets to a full wind with a 40 hour power reserve.
I would like to applaud Cartier for bringing its highest quality watchmaking to a new audience by using stainless steel cases, and this would seem to go hand in hand with the change to allowing diamonds to be used in stainless steel ladies timepieces. For anyone seeking a classic looking dress watch but unable to afford it in a precious metal case, this Rontonde de Cartier is going to be tough to beat.
Bill
A look at the Rontonde de Cartier Calendar and Power Reserve
