Cartier - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Cartier
    Year: Circa 2015
    Reference No: W1556204
    Movement No: 73
    Case No: 14 and 3307
    Model Name: Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 9451MC, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 47mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier Certificate stamped Simonetta Orsini Argentina dated April 2015, instruction manual, red folder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon introduced in 2010 is a remarkable timepiece that showcases both ingenuity and elegance. Encased in 18K white gold, it deviates from the traditional tourbillon design where the mechanism rotates around its own axis.

    Instead, the Astrotourbillon offers a unique viewing experience by employing a special rotational axis positioned at the center of the movement. To achieve balance, a platinum counterweight is concealed beneath the small center dial, and the escapement undergoes a 360-degree rotation, effectively countering the force of gravity. The arrow-pointer bridge right above the balance wheel intelligently indicates the seconds.

    Enhancing its appeal, the dial of the Astrotourbillon features a concentric design that adds depth and visual allure. From the outer seconds track to the sunken inner ring with large Roman numerals, and finally the prominent display of the rosette guilloché pattern, the timepiece is undoubtedly a special release from Cartier.

  • 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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1004

Ref. W1556204
A large, rare and attractive white gold astrotourbillon wristwatch with guilloché dial, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2015
47mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$220,000 - 420,000 
€26,400-50,400
$28,200-53,800

Sold for HK$304,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024