Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2014
    Reference No: W1556221
    Movement No: No. 15
    Case No: No. 08/50
    Model Name: Rotonde De Cartier
    Material: Niobium-Titanium
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9460MC, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 47mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Cartier Certificate of Origin, Cartier Certificate dated 2nd February 2014, stamped Cartier Taiwan, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon released in 2012 is a horological masterpiece driven by ingenuity and unique materials, the result, a true spectacle to admire. Cased in a fusion of niobium-titanium alloys, the model breaks tradition from the classical tourbillon where the mechanism rotates around its own axis. To exhibit an eccentric stellar viewing experience for watch connoisseurs, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon operates on a special rotational axis, for it is positioned at the center of the movement. The complication also has an innovative carbon crystal tourbillon carriage and escapement that requires no regulation or lubrification. Visually striking, the tourbillon rotates on an elegant sunburst grey backdrop with a one-minute regulation with fluidity. The concentric design of the dial further adds an attractive dimension to this already remarkable timepiece. From the outer seconds track to the sunken inner large Roman numerals ring, and finally the proud display of the open-work movement, the timepiece presents true class of a gentlemen.

    Limited to 50 pieces, the present timepiece is numbered 8, and is offered in an attractive condition from its original owner. Charmed by style and elegance, the present example takes shape of Cartier’s signature aesthetic of clean lines, radical design and ingenuity.

  • Artist Biography

    Cartier

    French

    With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.

    Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open. 

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Property from the Original Owner

Σ1099

Ref. W1556221
A rare and very attractive limited edition niobium-titanium astrotourbillon wristwatch with carbon crystal, certificate and presentation box, numbered 8 of a limited edition of 50 pieces

Circa 2014
47mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$233,000 - 465,000 
€24,900-49,600
$29,900-59,600

Sold for HK$403,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021