1029Σ︎
Cartier
Ref. 3453
Rotonde de Cartier d'Art Tigre
An intricate and rare limited edition white gold wristwatch with enamel grisaille tiger dial, certificate and presentation box, numbered 12 of a limited edition of 100 pieces
Full-Cataloguing
- Extraordinary grisaille enamelling technique
- Numbered 12 of a limited edition of 100 pieces
- Complete with certificate and accessories, offered at no reserve
In 2013, Cartier once again proved its rare gift for bringing forgotten arts back to life. For years the Maison has actively revived ancient skills that demand extraordinary patience and precision. Among the most poetic of these rediscoveries was grisaille enamelling, a technique of pure tonal mastery that Cartier returned to the highest level of watchmaking in its Métiers d’Art collection that year. The result was a series of dials inhabited by creatures of light and shadow, some bathed in sunlight, others illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight.
The Rotonde de Cartier d'Art Tigre cased in 42mm white gold stands among the purest expressions of that revival. Limited to only one hundred pieces, this example is numbered 12 of the series. The dial begins first with a black enamel and fired. Then begins the meticulous layering of blanc de Limoges, luminous white enamel applied by hand in successive coats, each one kiln-fired before the next. Six to eight firings, nearly forty hours of intense concentration. Working solely in shades of grey, the artisan builds volume, depth and light with nothing but modulated opacity. A final, delicate scratching with a tiny pick awakens the texture of fur, so the tiger appears almost sculpted rather than painted.
What emerges is a fierce yet contemplative tiger, entirely monochromatic yet alive with depth.
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.