Cartier Rotonde Terre et Lune

Cartier strikes again with yet another exceptional piece from its Rotonde collection for the highly anticipated SIHH coming up soon. The styling of the watch isn’t new to Cartier; however, the Rotonde Terre et Lune does represent a solid leap in watchmaking know how. Richemont brands have been busy this year with jaw-dropping releases and totally new concepts.

This watch is so unique it will possibly be the watch that defines Haute Horlogerie for 2014. The Rotonde line of watches in recent years has been Cartier’s playground for the release of many of their new concepts. The Cartier Terre et Lune is made in a very limited series of just 50 pieces worldwide. These watches will probably be reserved for retail in Cartier’s boutiques. The price will be in the ballpark of around USD $275,000.

The Rotonde Terre et Lune features an on demand moon phase indication system and a tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position. The dial is crafted from blue lapis lazuli, with a circular marking at the 4 position. The moon phase is activated when the wearer presses the pusher at 4 o’clock. The lapis lazuli disc rotates over the aperture housing the tourbillon indicating the phase of the moon, where the lapis lazuli disc is the shadow and the tourbillon aperture is the moon itself.

Though a lot of fuss is made over the moon phase system, the tourbillon is also a great feat in horology. Tourbillons essentially negate the effects of gravity on the escapement of the watch by rotating on itself once every minute. This complication is widely regarded as the most exclusive mechanism in watchmaking.

The case on this timepiece is crafted from platinum polished to a fine finish. The main crown is textured and fitted with a cabochon cut blue sapphire, complementing the blue dial. The case back is made from see through sapphire crystal evincing the mechanical manual wound movement. The crystal protecting the dial is also made from sapphire, which carries a hardness of 9 on the MoH’s scale.

The movement, Calibre 9440 MC, is made in house and features skeletonized star shaped bridges that enhance the astronomical theme of the Terre et Lune. There are 362 components making up the movement. The balance wheel beats at a constant 21,600 VpH (3 Hz). The power reserve on this model is 72 hours once fully wound.

The Rotonde Terre et Lune also features a second time zone, which is set by a pusher at the 2 o’clock position. The second time zone is represented on a circular rotating disc made from 18kt brushed white gold and is indicated by a black triangle at the 12 position. Roman numeral bridges embrace the off centered hour and minutes dial. This dial features a depiction of the Earth crafted from white gold. This piece uses blued steel, sword shaped hands for the indication of the time. The Cartier Rotonde Terre et Lune is outfitted with a black alligator leather strap and is secured using a folding clasp made from platinum.