The Watch: The Calibre de Cartier was an important turn in the company's history. For most of its existence Cartier sourced its movements from outside, often from Jaeger-LeCoultre, and built its reputation on case design and dial work rather than mechanical watchmaking. That changed in 2010, when Cartier launched the Calibre de Cartier as the first large-scale production model to house an in-house automatic movement, the caliber 1904-PS MC. The collection was Cartier's statement that it intended to be taken seriously as a manufacture, not just a jeweler that made watches.
The design leans more masculine and sporting than the dress watches Cartier is known for. The 42mm round case has large domed lugs and a mix of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, and the dial carries the small touches Cartier collectors look for: the subtle Cartier signature hidden in the Roman numeral X, the blue faceted spinel set in the crown, and sword-shaped hands. This version pairs the case in steel with an 18k rose gold bezel and a matching two-tone steel and rose gold bracelet. The dial is a brown guilloche with Roman numerals and baton markers, a date aperture at 3 o'clock, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
The caliber 1904-PS MC inside is an automatic movement with a 48 hour power reserve, visible through the exhibition caseback. Water resistance is 30 meters.
The 42mm case is a substantial wear, and the bracelet is sized to fit a 6.25 inch wrist.
Condition: Very good condition with signs of wear consistent with use.
