With the addition of new models to the product family, the Drive De Cartier Collection is among the major novelties of SIHH 2017.
SIHH 2016 had also hosted a novelty that could be considered very important for Cartier. The famous brand, for the first time after a long time, came up with a brand new product group. The new Drive De Cartier Collection, acclaimed for its cushion-shaped and classic car-inspired details, had received full marks from the authorities with its original lines and versatile style.
The brand, which continues its ambitious rise about watchmaking, has not neglected to include the collection of its acclaimed product, the Drive De Cartier Collection within the SIHH 2017 novelties. We had to see and shoot the new models during our visit to the famous brand’s stunning fair booth.
I want to focus on two new models that have been added to the Drive De Cartier Collection. Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phases model features a moon phase indicator - one of the most aesthetic complications of traditional watchmaking. The other model is the Cartier Drive Cartier Extra-Flat series, which updates the product group introduced last year with a more refined case design.
Drive de Cartier Moon Phases model is available in a 40mm x 41mm, cushion-shaped case. The model is offered in two versions, stainless steel and 18K pink gold. The case features sapphire crystal on both sides and the characteristic winding crown of the series finished in an angular form.
The model’s dial carries classic Cartier details. The surface of the dial is decorated with traditional Gullioche pattern while the hands are coated in bright blue. The dial sports stylized Roman numeral indices and a moon phase indicator located at 6 o’clock position. The moon phase indicator is placed in its own sub-dial. There is an “Automatic” writing below the moon phase disk. Although it does not seem like a necessary detail in terms of aesthetics, it is obvious that it does not create a busy look in the dial which lacks both a date window and a second hand.
The new model is powered with the La Maison’s own design and production Caliber Ref. 1904-LU MC. The movement beats at 28800vph and offers 48 hour power reserve when fully wound.
The Drive de Cartier Moon Phases models come with a brown crocodile leather strap and a folding clasp made of material the same material with the case.
The other model I would like to mention is Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat. The new timepiece deserves the Extra-Flat name with its total height of 6.6mm (40% thinner than the first generation Drive De Cartier models). The name of the model highlights the thickness parameter however; the diameter of the case is also slightly reduced. Designed to measure 38mm x 39mm, the case has a water resistance of 30M. The Cartier Drive Cartier Extra-Flat models are offered in 18K pink or white gold only.
It is possible to see classic Cartier breeches on the dial of the new model. Again, the surface of the dial is decorated with traditional Gullioche pattern while the hands are coated in bright blue. The dial, which features no second hand and date display, is also free of moon phase indicator as well.
Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is powered with the Caliber Ref.430MC. The hand-wound movement, which is based on the Piaget Caliber Ref.430P, beats at 21600vph and offers 36 hours of power reserve which is a little less in today’s standards.
The 18K white version is accompanied by a gray alligator leather strap while the 18K pink gold model is presented with a brown alligator leather strap. Both models come with a classic Cartier style folding clasp made of 18K white or pink gold depending on the case material.
The new additions to the Cartier Drive De Cartier Collection are scheduled to reach the boutiques and authorized sellers in April 2017.
I can say that I particularly like the Extra-Flat model among these two new models. Usually I am not a user who complains about the thickness of the watches but when it comes to classic dress watches, this parameter gets more important. So I can understand and agree Cartier for trying to create a thinner version for their spectacular Drive De Cartier Collection. I also admire the elegance of the dial which evokes the expression "less is more".
