996Σ
Cartier
Ref. 3552A
Rotonde de Cartier Mystereuse
A well-preserved and extravagant white gold and diamond-set wristwatch with mystery pavé diamond-set dial, certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 240,000€13,600 - 27,200$15,400 - 30,800
- Manufacturer
- Cartier
- Year
- Circa 2015
- Reference No
- 3552A
- Movement No
- 181
- Case No
- 2
- Model Name
- Rotonde de Cartier Mystereuse
- Material
- 18K white gold and diamonds
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 9981MC, 27 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold and diamonds Cartier deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 42mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by blank Cartier certificate, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Rotonde De Cartier Mystérieuse is a wonderful modern interpretation of the magical mechanism in wristwatch format. Featuring an off-centred mystery dial, the present example featuring a extravagant pavé diamond-set dial is imply jaw-dropping. Sized at 42mm, this white gold timepiece provides an ample canvas for 68 brilliant-cut diamonds of a total of 1.30 carats on the bezel alone. On top of that, the dial is set with 448 brillant-cut diamonds totalling 1.60 carats.
Powered by the in-house calibre 9981MC, this is the second piece to be made from the model. Numbered 2 and preserved in spectacular condition, it is notable that the clasp and crown is also decorated with diamonds, making this a truly elegant edition of the Rotonde de Cartier.
Cartier
FrenchWith 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.