Manufacture
SJX offers an exclusive look inside the Cartier boutique at ION Orchard in Singapore, showcasing two exceptional Rotonde de Cartier timepieces. This post provides a rare, detailed examination of the Rotonde de Cartier jumping hours with a marquetry bear motif and the Rotonde de Cartier flying tourbillon skeleton, highlighting Cartier's blend of artistic craftsmanship and haute horlogerie.
At ION Orchard mall in Singapore. Here are some of the notable, newly arrived watches.
The first is the rarely seen Rotonde de Cartier jumping hours with bear motif in marquetry. This watch was actually launched at SIHH last year, but they are produced at a snail's pace so are still being delivered.
38 pieces of paper-thin wood veneer - cut from ten types of wood - are pieced together to form the bear's head.
Sawing those tiny piece of the puzzle takes 12 hours, while the whole dial takes 160 hours.
The wood is carefully chosen for colour and also grain, because the grain forms the texture of the fur on the bear.
Notice the Cartier secret signature integrated into the "VII" of the jump hours disc.
And of course the blued steel regulator index is in a "C" shape. The movement still has the interlocking "C" decoration on the bridges, which is a distinctive motif from the days of the Collection Privee Cartier Paris.
The next watch is the Rotonde de Cartier flying tourbillon skeleton, with a diamond set bezel. The case is 45 mm, in white gold.
Despite being a small movement in a large case, the proportions are pleasing, because of the large Roman numerals.
Those numerals actually form part of the base plate. Notice the wide, polished bevels on the Romans.
This uses the flying tourbillon calibre made in Geneva by Cartier, hence the Geneva Seal. The calibre is based on what was originally a Roger Dubuis calibre.
Using a similar calibre is the much more modest Rotonde flying tourbillon which was just launched earlier this year. At 40 mm this is the smallest case size in the Fine Watchmaking line, and this is also the entry level tourbillon model.
It is certainly less striking than the skeleton tourbillon, but it certainly has its audience, given the price, styling and complication.
Notice the multi-level dial that is characteristic of the Fine Watchmaking line.
And last is the new Tank Louis Cartier XL, the slimmest watch Cartier makes at just 5.1 mm high.
Pictured here are the "tuxedo" models, with diamonds set on the case flanks. These would be suitable for ladies, or for men's formal attire.
The thinness of the case is remarkable, especially when combined with the width and length. The overall proportions are very elegant.
And that is all for now, till the next boutique trip.
The Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Jumping Hours with Bear Motif, reference W1556216, is a distinctive timepiece from the brand's haute horlogerie collection. It features a dial crafted with a wood marquetry technique, depicting a bear's head. This model showcases Cartier's commitment to artistic crafts alongside mechanical watchmaking.
The watch is housed in a 42mm white gold case. The dial's bear motif is composed of 38 pieces of paper-thin wood veneer, cut from ten different types of wood, with the grain carefully selected to create the texture of fur. The jumping hours display is integrated with a secret Cartier signature within the 'VII' numeral. The movement features blued steel regulator index in a 'C' shape and interlocking 'C' decoration on the bridges, a motif from the Collection Privee Cartier Paris.
This reference highlights Cartier's dual expertise in high complications and decorative arts. Its limited production and intricate dial work make it a notable piece for collectors interested in unique craftsmanship and the brand's more artistic expressions.
Thanks a lot SJX for the report of your visit! Fx
I like the artfulness of the marquetry bear, but wish that the railroad track ran all around the dial so you could tell time more easily. The flying tourbillons in 40mm are very pretty, and a better size IMO versus the 43mm cases. Thanks for the photos! I really enjoyed them! Cheers, Daos
so I think you can get one with a full minute track, and another animal depicted. :-) - SJX
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