Cartier Alarm Clock: Quartz Movement Insight

small-luxury-world · 2011-06-16T07:01:43Z

small-luxury-world explores a Cartier alarm clock with an ETA quartz movement, sparking debate on luxury brand desk clock movements.

small-luxury-world shares an intriguing look inside a Cartier alarm clock, revealing an ETA quartz movement. This post sparks a discussion about the expectations versus reality of luxury brand desk clocks, particularly concerning the choice of movement and internal finishing, prompting a deeper dive into Cartier's mechanical offerings.

A few days ago my watch in the bathroom stopped and needed a new battery.

Today I had the possibility to buy a new battery in a small watch shop in the neighbourhood and did the change myself.
Now the watch is running again, but something came to my mind when I looked insight ...

... so far a nice alarm watch with some nice details ...

... and an ETA quartz movement inside.

What came to my mind: Somehow it looks "cheap" inside ... if only the alarm would work properly ... why did I buy it?

Well, because I was in the mood to get one at a foreign airport and because it looks nice - even in the bathroom

Oliver

Key Points from the Discussion

Many quartz clocks, even from top-tier manufactures, often have unimpressive internal finishing due to the limited availability of nicely finished quartz alarm clock movements.
There is a shared sentiment of disappointment when a beautifully designed desk clock from a luxury brand contains a simple quartz movement, leading to questions about the value proposition and the availability of mechanical alternatives.
Cartier does offer mechanical desk clocks, specifically those priced above EUR5000, which feature 8-day hand-wind movements and are distinctly more elaborate than their quartz counterparts.
The 'No (0) Jewels' indication on the ETA quartz movement is noted as a humorous detail, highlighting the contrast with traditional mechanical watchmaking.
The aesthetic appeal of Cartier's 'good stuff,' particularly its pure, classic beauty, is acknowledged, despite past perceptions influenced by widespread fake watches.

The Discussion

SJX

Jun 16, 2011

You are right

But all the quartz - the mechanical ones are a different story - clocks I have seen, even from top tier "manufacture" have similarly unimpressive insides. I think one reason for this is the lack of availability of nicely finished quartz alarm clock movements. But like you said it looks good on the outside. - SJX

grigo

Jun 18, 2011

No (0) Jewels

I like the "No (0) Jewels" indication on the ETA quartz movement. Kind of funny when you think about it. Best regards, George

small-luxury-world

Jun 18, 2011

... but V8

isn´t that bad ...

grigo

Jun 18, 2011

Not bad at all.

Every man should own a V8 (in one form or another). Best regards, George

timerider

Jun 18, 2011

That's a nice face to wake up to! Very classy, but what

would I expect for you Sir. Best to all and Happy Father's Day this weekend. Tim

SJX

Jun 18, 2011

The equivalent models from 100 years ago

in large and small size. This I assure you has jewels in the movement. - SJX

Cartier Alarm Clock: Quartz Movement Insight

Key Points from the Discussion

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