Friday, 1 February 2013

Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon (Dual Time Jump-Hour)


Here’s a first look at the new Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon which will officially debut in January 2013 at the SIHH in Geneva.  This watch was conceived as a regulator and features a minute hand in the center and dual jump-hour counters.  This is an unusual combination of features, but no doubt beautifully done.  The watch is quite substantial with a 46mm case, though it retains a reasonable measure of slimness at 13.8mm.  Limited to 50 pieces in white or rose gold.  The caliber is manufacture Cartier Caliber MC9456 (already used in high-end Cartier pieces), stamped with Geneva Seal, with the added jump hour module.  The retail price will fall within the $100,000 to $150,000 range.
Overall Cartier is coming again with a strong collection in 2013, from its more basic Calibre de Cartier Chronographs I gave you a first look at in mid-November on up to its “haute horlogerie” pieces such as this and the perpetual calendar chronograph.  Cartier has made impressive strides since the introduction of its first in-house calibers in 2009 and shows no signs of slowing.  Lots of high-resolution looks, below.
The white gold version.  The second time zone indicator is advanced by the pusher at 10 o’clock.
The red gold model:
I find Cartier’s movements to be very beautifully designed, always with a very elegant integration of the Cartier “C”, among other niceties.  The finishing has and continues to be first class:

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