Cartier Drive Extra-Flat White Gold Review

christianch · 2017-05-06T11:02:46Z

Christianch reviews the Cartier Drive Extra-Flat, a 39mm white gold timepiece with a 2.1mm thin 430 MC movement, perfect for elegant wear.

christianch

WPS member · Cartier forum

22 replies9323 views33 photos

Christianch presents a detailed review of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat, highlighting its elegance and distinctive design as a standout release from SIHH 2017. He emphasizes its ultra-thin profile and vintage-inspired, automotive-related aesthetic, showcasing how it seamlessly integrates into a sophisticated lifestyle.

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Among the watches released at the SIHH 2017 the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is the one that above all the others spoke to me. The drive line launched in 2016 presented something different.

A vintage inspired, automobile related masculine watch.

In the first issue it included a steel version priced pretty well for an in-house caliber watch that is both distinctive and versatile. In 2017 the line expanded with a moonphase and the extra-flat.

The one I loved the most is the white gold: the combination with the grey strap and the fact that is a limited edition made it very special to me.

And..without further ado here it is in all his beauty !!

The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is powered by the manufacture caliber 430 MC that derives from the Piaget Caliber 430P (that fits well given the expertise of piaget with Ultra thin movement).

The movement is just 2.1 mm thick and the whole watch 6.6mm

The grey strap and pin buckle with the C of cartier is stunning too!!

very elegant and fits very well with a suit and in a daily formal environment

the dial is pretty much Silver satin-brushed and a sunray effect so do not trust the photo that might (depending on the light) make it look a bit darker!

the caseback is closed but very nicely engraved. A good choise I think as the view to the round movement would have been less attractive !

I have always been in love with Cartier. One of my very first watches was a cartier yet I had (before today that is) none in my collection. However, I had cufflinks and rings from Cartier

so I am very happy to have found a very special and elegant watch like the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat.

It fits well with the Cartier Cufflinks

or the love ring

or well, both !!

I think that with the drive line Cartier managed to introduce a watch that is true to long history of Cartier with the classical roman numbers etc. yet fresh introducing a very unique case

that doesn't go unnoticed.

The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is not just slimmer (6.6.mm thick) but also smaller (39mm) vs the traditional Drive line making it a bit more dressy, a bit more elegant and very much Cartier!

Absolutely in love with this piece so I hope that you enjoyed my review as much as I enjoy the watch !!

Christian

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Drive' in the watch's name is confirmed to relate to automobiles, clarifying a common misconception about its inspiration.
The watch's extreme thinness (6.6mm) is a key feature that contributes to its elegance and makes it suitable for formal wear.
The caliber 430 MC, derived from Piaget's ultra-thin 430P movement, is a manual-winding movement that provides tactile resistance when fully wound, unlike automatic movements which lack this feedback.
The closed caseback, while obscuring the movement, is considered a good choice as the view of a round movement might be less aesthetically pleasing than a finely engraved solid back.
The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat's non-traditional case shape and thinness contribute to its versatility, making it suitable for various occasions.
The crown's size and ease of grasping are discussed, with a comparison made to other watches like the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy, which is noted for its difficult-to-wind crown.

The Discussion

Geo

May 6, 2017

Thank you Christian

I can't agree more with you, this is indeed a fantastic watch and I can imagine it suits your other pieces, like the cufflinks very well. I must say that I really like your Love ring, they don't come by every day. Enjoy the Extra flat Drive! GEO

KMII

May 6, 2017

Thanks for your review of this wonderful watch!

First of all congratulations on an excellent addition to your collection And thanks for the review - really like the watch and your pictures make the sentiment even stronger To many happy hours with it!

christianch

May 6, 2017

thank you ! appreciated :D [nt]

kev09

May 6, 2017

A superb watch and wonderful pictures.

I very much enjoyed your review and the watch looks great on your wrist. Regards Kev.

patrick_y

May 6, 2017

Handsome piece...

I didn't know it had to do with the "drive" of an automobile. I thought it had to do with self-motivation "drive." Good to know! Your post really emphasizes how thin it is. I like thin watches! Thin is elegant. Lastly, I really like your cufflinks! They're beautiful! I'm currently thinking about these... www.patek.com The 205.9112G Gondolo Cufflinks But I better go see what they have at Cartier before I make any decisions.

christianch

May 6, 2017

Thank you Patrick! glad you like them !! I have also the patek

gondolo (white gold with grey) cufflinks and are great quality too. I would say both have fantastic quality and finish so can't go wrong.

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