New Release
SJX introduces the Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours, a significant release from SIHH 2013 that revives Cartier's storied mystery clock heritage in a wristwatch. This article highlights the innovative mechanics of the 9981 MC movement, which utilizes sapphire discs for a captivating 'mystery' display, and discusses its surprisingly accessible price point within Cartier's Fine Watchmaking collection.
Mystery clocks are one of Cartier’s most storied products so it was only a matter of time before Cartier created a mystery watch (that wasn’t limited or a unique piece).
The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours is arguably the best product of Cartier’s Fine Watchmaking line this year. It combines an unusual movement with Cartier’s long heritage, and surprisingly, a fairly accessible price.
But first, the mechanics of the 9981 MC movement, which are straightforward. Each of the hands is mounted on a clear sapphire disc with a toothed rim. The teeth are metal and deposited on the sapphire by DRIE for weight saving and precision.
Also, both discs have a central pivot where the hands are attached for minimum friction on the rim.
Each disc is thus driven by gearing around the discs. All of that is hidden by the dial, hence the mystery. From the back the movement layout is obvious – gear train, balance and the rest of the mechanics are arranged around the sapphire discs – making it a very compact calibre despite its overall size. In fact, 58% of the movement surface area is occupied by the sapphire discs time display.
The movement is in-house, naturally, and comprises 158 parts with 48 hours of power reserve.
The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours is available in either white or rose gold, with a 42 mm case that is 11.6 mm high. Both are numbered, but not limited, editions.
The rose gold will retail for approximately EUR36,000 and the white gold will be about EUR38,500. Jewelled versions will also be available, with either diamond-set bezel or dial and bezel, priced from about EUR51,000 to EUR71,000.
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2013-01-11 21:02:12 This message has been edited by KIH on 2013-01-21 02:01:24Thanks a lot for the live pix SJX! The case size of 42mm, is ideal IMHO. GEO
The Santos Mysterieuse was a first step, but this one has quiite noraml dimensions and a decent power reserve, which is very difficult to conciliate in this kind of watch. Well done ! Francois
Finally a mystery clock mechanism that i can wear out of the house without a gold chain on my neck!
but it cost 4 or 5 times as much as this. - SJX
But I find the clear sapphire will display skin tone is too open has to see in flesh thank you SJX best, Ed
Full of classicism and allure.....the WG version is very very appealing. Thanks for opening my eyes on this. Mo
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