Complications
SJX's exclusive first look at the Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astroregulateur unveils a groundbreaking complication designed to redefine precision timekeeping. This article explores how Cartier, under Carole Forestier's direction, tackles gravity's effects on a watch's accuracy through an innovative escapement and balance system. Readers will discover the technical ingenuity behind this limited-edition timepiece and its unique approach compared to traditional tourbillons.
Just a few hours ago today I was presented with what I believe will be the flagship complication for Cartier at SIHH 2011 - the Rotonde de Cartier Astroregulateur (or Astroregulator in English). The embargo for this watch passed just an hour and a half ago so this forum is possibly the first in the world to see this watch. Put simply, the Astro Regulateur was designed by Carole Forestier to combat the effects of gravity on timekeeping.
This is accomplished by fixing the escapement and balance to the rotor, meaning that they are constantly in a vertical, upright position. This eliminates the variation of frequency and amplitude caused by gravity on the balance wheel. In contrast a tourbillon averages out the variations caused by gravity due to the constantly turning balance wheel.
You will also notice that the seconds hand is what Cartier terms “pendular”, meaning it remains in a constant rotation relative to the rotor, in other words the seconds hand ticks along with the rotor while rotating around with the rotor. All of that is accomplished by a double differential. It is a remarkable complex winding and gear train mechanism with four patents pending in Switzerland. This video illustrates the idea but the watch shown is a prototype so the rotor does not spin freely.
This is a limited edition of 50 pieces in with a case in lightweight niobium-titanium, an alloy first seen in the ID One Concept watch. It is a whopper at 50 mm wide but it is more of a statement of technical innovation than a practical wristwatch.
While this watch is still being tested, and the one shown here is a prototype, I believe it represents an innovative concept that is reflective of what Cartier has become – an innovative, technically astute that is truly going places.
It is past 1 am now and I have a morning meeting then a flight to catch tomorrow, or actually later today, so I will leave more detailed explanation of the watch for next week when I return.
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-12-07 17:16:32
and I like the way they have incorporated it into the automatic winding weight. I'm sure that I won't be the first person that this piece reminds of the recent;y posted Zenith Christopher Columbus.... A
Have I missed something? When the watch isn't vertical the balance isn't vertical. Most watches probably spend 50% of their time not vertical and at an angle between 90deg and horizontal. So what's the difference between this and an ordinary watch? nick
Have they done the tests to prove that this mechanism is more accurate than a standard chronometer or a tourbillon? I also assume the rotor will look different in the final product? Thanks for the report and pictures. Stewart
And naturally this forum will be one of the first to know the results. - SJX
This is a nice piece of innovation from Cartier but they should have made it in a smaller case. When we talk about precision where does it stand in front of Gyrotourbillon 2 or the Three Axes Tourbillon from Thomas Prescher which are more practical to wear as well. Raman.
The Cartier is still in the prototype stage; the watch shown is a prototype. But in theory it should perform well since it addresses the same problem as a tourbillon, except in a more novel way. - SJX
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