Golden hour: Incredible stories behind Cartiers iconic watches
From Reflection to Panthère, here are the captivating stories behind four of Cartier’s most celebrated timepieces.Cartier has an enchanting new cuff.After 3,000 hours of development, last month the company debuted its latest wonder: An openwork bangle with a watch embedded in one end and reflected on the other’s glossy surface, so the time is also shown in reverse.
All five of the resolutely modern jewelry watches are composed of 95 sculpted elements and display the brand’s signature Roman numbers and sword hands on their dials.The versatile yellow-gold and rose-gold models can be worn solo or stacked with other bracelets.
Clad in gems, the three high-jewelry variations are gala-ready.There’s an icy all-white bracelet pavéd with diamonds, along with a peacock-motif lacquered version embellished with chrysoprases, obsidian, emeralds, Paraíba tourmalines and diamonds.A different array of vivid colors is showcased in the opal, amethyst, spessartite garnet, tiger eye and diamond iteration.
Made with savoir-faire, these watches mirror glamour.Reaching new heights through 120 years of horological history, the Santos de Cartier remains top flight.The first modern wristwatch was developed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, after the latter complained he had trouble checking the time on his pocket watch while flying.Practical, adventurous and ultra-legible, it featured a geometric dial, curved horns and exposed screws on a square bezel.
Cartier frequently reengineers its references, clearing Santos models for takeoff in sizes from small to extra large, with innovations like the QuickSwitch interchangeable strap system and SmartLink, which allows users to easily adjust the length of the bracelet without tools.Continuing full throttle, in 2009 the maison released its first-ever skeleton variation in its Santos collection.The patented 9611 MC caliber boasts bridges sculpted in the shape of Roman numerals, so they he...