Let’s start with the case. Visually, the case is similar enough with the other members of the group to make you understand that it’s a Calibre de Cartier.
The watch can be listed as a ’’slim diver’’ thanks to it’s 11mm thickness. 42mm diameter case feels nicely balanced. The divers bezel is slightly larger than the case beneath making the watch look larger than 42mm.
The lugs are designed to custom fit with the rubber strap leaving no gap between the case and the end side of the strap. This integrated designs offers a balanced and complete look which I like a lot. It’s also a positive feature for the wearing comfort as well.
The case features a sapphire crystal on the front and a solid case back which is mounted to the case with eight small screws. I would personally prefer a conventional screw down case backs instead but since Cartier says the watch is WR300M rated than I’d have no problem with that.
The crown is easy to grip and operate. It also features the Cartier trademark blue sapphire mounted on the top side. Some may find this feature a little bling for a divers watch but remember this is a Cartier watch.
The bezel adjusts securely with 120 solid clicks per rotation. The glossy bezel finish in ADLC (amorphous diamond-like carbon) gives the watch a dressy look.
The dial of the watch is simply beautiful. The stylized roman numerals add a classy look especially with the oversize XII marker. The inner circle of the dial is finished in an amazing sun ray blue tone. The subdial located at 6 o’clock position reads the seconds and the triple date display is located at 3 o’clock. The hands set is formed in sword style.
The marker and the hands are applied with Super-LumiNova for better night time visibility.
The watch is powered with the Cartier’s in-house movement Caliber 1904 MC which was first released in 2010 and designed by the master watchmaker Ms.Carole Forestier-Kasapi. Unlike the other double barrel designs, the power reserve is maintained at a fairly standard 48h. However, the twin barrels are used to stable the energy transit allowing the movement work more precisely. The movement runs in 27 jewels at 4 Hz, or 28,800 vph.
The rotor and automatic winding bridge are decorated with Cotes de Geneva pattern. The release of the energy is regulated by the Glucydur balance wheel, flat Nivarox balance spring, and Etachron fine adjustment.
The strap is soft rubber/leather combination. The pin buckle is solid and functional. It sports the same satin brushed finish as the case, with the Cartier name engraved on the frame.
There are three versions of the watch in stainless steel, stainless steel/18K rose gold and 18K rose gold.
Calibre de Cartier Diver is a nice watch. Rating at WR300M, it is actually a serious tool watch but the highly stylized details and a little dressy mood wipes out the hard core sporty structure of the watch reminding me a gentleman with a Range Rover which will obviously never see any off-road occasion.
