Life Is A Mystery

The cartier rotonde de cartier astromystérieux

Given the level of recognition that Carole Forestier-Kasapi – Cartier’s head of movement creation – has achieved with her flying tourbillons and watches that mimic the brand’s famous see-through mystery clocks, it was only a matter of time before the master watchmaker combined the two concepts in a single timepiece.

The Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astromystérieux uses four separate transparent sapphire discs and an elaborate ball-bearing carriage system not just to rotate the movement once an hour without any visible support, but also to wind the barrel and set the time. The watch, which has a palladium case, is limited to 100 examples worldwide.

• 43.5 mm
• Manufacture manual winding mechanical movement, caliber 9462 MC
• Platinum 950% case, beaded platinum 950% crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon, guilloché dial, apple-shaped hands
• Black alligator skin strap, 18K white gold double adjustable folding buckle
• Astromystérieux complication: mysterious central tourbillon, consisting of the escapement, balance, main geartrain and barrel, and completing one full revolution in one hour
• Individually numbered movement consisting of 408 parts including 188 ball-bearings and 25 jewels
• Movement diameter: 39 mm
• Movement thickness: 5.9 mm
• Balance: 21,600 vibrations/hour
• Approx. power reserve approx. 50 hours.
• Sapphire crystal and case back.
• Case thickness: 12 mm.
• Water-resistant to 3 bar (approx. 30 meters/100 feet).

Cartier