Cartier 2016 SIHH: Drive, Clé, Rotonde Wristshots

foversta · 2016-01-18T15:25:13Z

Explore Cartier's 2016 SIHH novelties, including the new Drive de Cartier collection, Clé Squelette, and Rotonde Astromystérieux, with exclusive wristshots and initial impressions.

foversta

WPS member · Cartier forum

13 replies3880 views8 photos

In this 2016 post, foversta offers an exclusive first look at Cartier's new releases from SIHH, focusing on the highly anticipated Drive de Cartier collection. His initial impressions and wristshots provide valuable insights into the brand's strategic direction, particularly with the introduction of a new core collection just one year after the Clé. This article captures the excitement and critical assessment of Cartier's horological innovations at a pivotal moment.

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As usual, Cartier was one of the most active and creative brands of the SIHH.

The Haute Horlogerie collection was obviously spectacular but the main event for Cartier was the introduction of a collection named Drive. One year after Clé, Cartier brings the proof of its ability to build a full collection around a case shape. This Drive collection seduces me more than Clé. For two reasons: the case by itself and the basic movement of the collection which is the 1904MC in the Drive context. I like this quite subtle cushion shape which is refined, elegant and dynamic.

Of course, I will come back to this collection later.

The Tourbillon Volant works perfectly in the context of the Drive case:

The Clé collection is growing with the addition of the Squelette version. But be careful! This watch is automatic! A nice originality.

The Crash is now available in PG. The size and the shape of the case are enhanced by the material color. The watch is really spectacular.

The Star of the show for Cartier was the impressive Rotonde AstroMysterieux which can be considered as a true homage to the Mysterious watches and clocks of the past. But this time, with a much more ambitious technical approach. Of course, I will come back to it with more details.

The Rotonde Terre et Lune Tourbillon is back for our big pleasure with a new aesthetic context. The meteorite dial decorates with impact the watch and is consistent with its spirit and atmosphere. Don't forget that this watch is fun because we can play with the moonphase display which works on demand.

Last news: the 3 versions of the Calibre Diver are available now with blue bezel and dial. This color works quite well but, very surprisingly, I tend to prefer the black version. But I think that I need to see these new ones with the daylights and not the artificial lighs.

Thanks a lot to the Cartier team for the shooting session today!

Fx

Key Points from the Discussion

The Drive de Cartier collection is generally preferred over the Clé, with the steel three-hand version being particularly appealing, though the power reserve model's dial is considered cluttered.
Cartier's introduction of a new collection so soon after Clé raises questions about brand strategy, but the Drive collection is seen as targeting a different, more horologically sophisticated client base.
The Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux is highlighted as an impressive technical achievement and a star of the Salon, showcasing Cartier's high-horology capabilities.
The Drive collection resonates more with some collectors than the Clé, suggesting it successfully complements existing collections for those seeking more personality in a watch.
The new Clé Squelette is noted for its automatic movement, an interesting and somewhat unexpected design choice for a skeletonized watch.
The Calibre Diver's new blue bezel and dial versions are aesthetically pleasing, though the original black version might still be preferred by some after direct comparison in natural light.

The Discussion

tudorctin

Jan 19, 2016

We had not enough time to get familiar with Cle collection and this year another one? Does Cartier want to confuse us? On the other hand I like Drive de Cartier more than Cle. The Tourbillon Volant looks good even if you can find the movement in almost all collections. Even the 3 hands one is better than its Cle counterpart, especially the one in steel. I don't like the Drive one with PR, its dial looks clutter. Cartier flexed its muscles with Rotonde de Cartier Astromysterieux; it's an amazing

foversta

Jan 20, 2016

The report will come later; I'm still in Geneva... and exhausted! I tend to agree with some of your comments. But the role played by Drive is not exactly the same than Clé. Clé is clearly a collection for a global market. Drive is more focused on people who look for a watch with more personnality, in a few words, clients who already have a good horological backgroud. Thanks! Fx

Mark in Paris

Jan 21, 2016

this year those ones impress me a lot. Thank for the wristshots Fx and really looking to reading about these two. Cheers, Mark

kpk

Jan 24, 2016

with the comment about launching a new collection a year after the Cle, and I also agree with your reply that they are aimed at different markets / segments. The Cle never pulled on my heartstrings, but the Drive does. I can see the Drive complementing my other pieces. Look forward to your review on this.

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Jan 26, 2016

Very nice Fx! Thanks for your pics and quick report from Cartier at SIHH The Drive collection - I will check out in the metal when they arrive in Singapore. Looks pretty cool. I like the case shape too Cheers Robin

BABKA

Feb 8, 2016

Thanks for sharing the pics!

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Cartier 2016 SIHH: Drive, Clé, Rotonde Wristshots

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