Drive de Cartier Retrograde GMT
In relation to other brands, Cartier has always done relatively few complications. Their restrained style and reputation for shaped cases was often best expressed in time-only watches. The Drive de Cartier GMT is therefor quite unique in the Cartier universe. It combines several complications that are rarely seen in general, let alone in a Cartier.
The slightly oversized cushion-shaped case gives the watch a distinct character, but even better, it offers a lot of space to display the different complications in the best way possible. Cartier opted to display the second timezone by means of a retrograde hand placed at the ten o’clock position. It is combined by a day and night indicator placed between three and four o’clock. This disc shows an artistic presentation of the moon and sun, including dusk and dawn. The inspiration for this came from the famous Jour et Nuit watches, which are one of Cartier’s specialties.The subdial for the second’s at six o’clock is crowned by another complication very rarely seen in a Cartier, an oversized date. It is in particular the combination of all these features and the way that Cartier executed and integrated them that makes this version of the Drive so equisite.
This continues at the back of the watch, where a sapphire crystal insert allows you to admire the robust and reliable caliber 1904-FU MC. As indicated by the last two letters, this movement is made completely in-house at Cartier’s manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Thanks to Cartier’s expertise in this area, they were able to keep the height of the caliber very thin, allowing the watch to have a slim overall profile. While it is by no means small, with a diameter of 41mm, it sits nicely on the wrist, where also other details, like the domes sapphire crystal, stand out. Classic Cartier hallmarks, like the sapphire set crown and Roman numerals on the dial, are also present. As the case is crafted from stainless steel, the elegance of this Cartier comes with a significant sportive touch, making it one of those few timepieces that are always appropriate. Thanks to the unique combination of complications, captured in a timeless design, it is also likely to become the watch in your collection that is swooping up the majority of your wrist time.
This beautiful Drive de Cartier Retrograde GMT was recently fully serviced via the Cartier aftersales and will be delivered in absolute new conditions – She will be sold with our 24 month warranty.
reference: WSNM0005
case number: 112XXXXX
year of production: ca. 2006
case diameter: 40X41mm
movement: automatic, Cartier caliber 1904-FU MC
box and papers: yes, full set.
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