Cartier takes advantage of the back-to-school period  to give us at the same time two very good news! The first one is the unveiling of a wide range of exchangeable straps (coming with the system of flash pins and the double adjustable folding clasp) for the  Ronde and Tank Solo. Not less than 14 colors based on 3 calf types (smooth, grained and Trieste) are thus available for customers to easily transform the style of their watches, making them more casual or more formal depending on the circumstances... or the mood!

The Ronde and Tank Solo which are the subject of this approach are available in three different sizes and I find in this size offer the second news that delights me: the medium size Ronde Solo, with a diameter of 36mm is now  powered by an automatic movement. And the reality is even better! The date window from the earlier quartz version which is replaced by this automatic watch disappears!

The Ronde Solo Automatic 36mm and the Tank Solo XL:




Undoubtedly, the new Ronde Solo Automatic 36mm becomes a very important watch for Cartier. We can't be wrong: even if this watch will not have a similar media projection than  a Drive or a Clé, it remains strategic given its price positioning at the entry level of the catalogue and its ability to take advantage of the exchangeable straps system. Its intermediate size is ideal. Neither too big nor too small (the rather thin and flat bezel increases the perceived size), the Ronde Solo is suitable for both male and female wrists. The dial contains the usual codes of the Ronde Solo line with the inscription along the central time scale of the hours of the second half of the day through Arabic numerals. The cohabitation between Roman and Arabic numerals is the touch of originality of an eminently classic dial. The removal of the date window (this date window remains on the 42mm version) makes the watch much purer and more balanced, and reinforces its elegance.

The Ronde Solo 36mm Automatic:




The movement that animates it is the Cartier caliber 076 which is actually an ETA 2671 that we find again in several watches of the collection like the Ballon Bleu 36mm. This caliber which diameter fits the 36mm case is reliable and widespread. It will work without any big issue and the watch will be easily repairable in the future. Its power reserve is a little short by today's standards (around 38 hours) but the winding efficiency is quite decent.

As indicated above, the perceived size is bigger than the actual size. By putting the Ronde Solo Automatic 36mm on the wrist, I did not feel to wear "a little watch." If its finishes, especially of the dial, are obviously not at the same level than the ones of the more expensive watches of the collection, I still enjoyed its simple and discreet refinement and charm. And ... if the watch appears to be too quiet, nothing prevents us adding  it a touch of energy with a colorful strap.

The Ronde Solo 36mm Automatic with its folding clasp and strap:





The strap change can be done very easily thanks to the flash pins and the double adjustable folding clasp that don't require any tool. Obviously the strap positioning  on the folding clasp requires a good practice at the beginning, but once the trick is understood, everything is  very easily performed.

The smooth, grained or Trieste calf types are not necessarily available for all colors but the choice between 14 colors is large enough to find the ideal alternative combination with the watch. My favorite calf type is the Trieste one which is more contemporary. The smooth type is also successful, especially with a gray / blue color I find very appealing. The grained type is more traditional and offers the widest range of  colors (8 out of 14).

The Trieste and grained calf types:




A selection of the straps range:




I propose you to discover  the different visual renderings of 6 watches.

The balance of the Ronde Solo 36mm Automatic is its key asset. It is recognizable at first glance thanks to its central seconds hand and the absence of date window:





The Ronde Solo 36mm Automatic is as comfortable and nice on a lady's wrist:




The Ronde Solo 42mm Automatic. I tend to find this watch too large. I much prefer the 36mm version:




The Ronde Solo quartz 29mm version is distinguished by its purity. With a blue strap that recalls the color of the hands and cabochon, it gains energy. This watch takes full advantage of straps with bright colors.


 

The Tank Solo XL with two different straps, Trieste blue and grained black:



The Tank Solo XL features a date window at 6 o'clock:




The MM Tank Solo is powered by a quartz movement and can be easily worn on both a male and female wrist:







The PM Tank Solo is powered by a quartz movement. Like the small Ronde Solo, the watch takes advantage of the use a strap with a bright color:



I particularly enjoyed the Cartier approach. I have often regretted that the big brands didn't show more courage not to salute this clever step to offer a kind of personalization which is expected by customers. The strap change system is simple and fast and the choice of colors is wide enough to offer alternatives that  move away from the traditional black strap. And since Cartier had the good idea to power the Ronde Solo 36mm with an automatic movement, the final balance is almost perfect! However, I have two regrets that slightly temper my enthusiasm. I would have wished the Tank MM suffered the same treatment as the Ronde Solo 36mm by becoming automatic and that the grained calf type didn't gather the majority of colors. Nothing serious because at the end,  the essential good point is that Cartier gives the feeling to have more fun with its entry level collection what is very positive for its customers.

Thanks a lot to the team of the Cartier boutique of Paris Capucines.

Fr.Xavier