The Breitling Watch Source Forums

My days of eager anticipation were brought to a close today, when I picked up my new Cartier. Ever since my good friend Ian got his Santos Galbee (a few short weeks ago) and I examined it closely, I have done a lot of research on Cartier watches. The relatively new model Calibre de Cartier interested me even more when I went to try it on. Two weeks later, I am a proud owner.
When Cartier says that this is a watch they specially designed for men, they meant it. Even at 42mm, which is not large by today's standards, it wears a lot bigger, at least to me ( although I have been wearing my 36mm Rolex Explorer and my 34mm Air-King for some time now). With the crown guards, it probably comes in at about 45mm, which is the same as the two Breitling Seawolfs I owned. I would liken it to about the size of the Breitling Super Avenger, just not as thick a case. This feels larger in a sense, but it hugs my wrist a lot better. Matter of fact, it almost grabs my wrist like it doesn't want to let go, and feels like it doesn't even need a strap or bracelet to hold it down.
I don't mind saying, it is one gorgeous piece of jewellery. I always find it very fitting to say that a timepiece is the ultimate form of jewellery. I am not ashamed to say that Cartier specializes in fine jewellery, and their fine watches are no exception. They do not make jewellery as a sideline to their watches, neither do they make watches as a sideline to their jewellery. They make fine jewellery including watches. Period.
The dial on this watch is absolutely brilliant. The oversized XII at 12 o'clock, and the large small seconds dial, which takes up almost half of the main dial, are not subtle. Neither is the rather large date window. All three of these are surrounded by a lovely silver frame, which looks dazzling in various lighting conditions.
The crystal is recessed about 1-2mm into the bezel which, as one person on another forum described it, is much like looking into a camera lense.
The bracelet is beyond compare. Especially considering that it was designed by Cartier especially for this watch. Not only does it have lug holes, which I have always wanted, it has screws on each and every link to hold the bracelet together. The centre part of each link is polished, and the outsides are brushed, as are the sides. The case is all brushed, except for outside of the bezel. Only exception is the very edges of the lugs and crown guards are polished, which gives just the right amount of sparkle to the watch, without being too blingy.
I could go on and on. Unfortunately, my friend Ian was not along when I picked up the watch, so no brilliant photos. However, I did manage to get a few of my own when I got home with the watch. Hope they will give some idea of the fit and finish of this wonderful timepiece:















These pics are not really a true representation of the beauty of this watch. Next couple of weeks I hope to get some better photos.
Thanks for reading and looking
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Beautiful, as I stated in another thread, my dad has this exact watch and it really is spectacular. Congrats and wear it in good health!!

_________________
--
sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

I really like the Calibre de Cartier, so that's a great pick-up, Carl. There's a cartier AD near me and I agree that it certainly wears larger than 42mm - I really liked it when I tried one on.

I know you said that you consider Cartier to be equally a jewellery and watch maker, but I must be honest that in the past I definitely didn't seem them like that at all. I saw them as one of the world's finest jewellery makers who also make a few watches on the side to appeal to existing Cartier jewellery owners. I always found Cartier watches to appeal to well-heeled, Barbara Cartland types, who aren't necessarily really watch fans, but love the brand and what it stands for. HOWEVER, with this in-house movement, my perception of the has changed considerably.

With this movement (and the watch it's in), Cartier has raised itself to a company that can genuinely say they are a jewellery-maker, AND a watchmaker in the same breath.

I like this watch a lot, and I'd really like one myself. Great piece Carl!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Hello Carl!

Enjoy Your Beautiful Cartier! Years ago I owned a quartz Extra Large Must 21 (my first real watch) and Cartier provided excellent customer service! I really like this watch, I like the fact (in my humble opinion) that it looks kinda like a Roger Dubuis without the price tag. It's on my radar but their are other watches ahead of it.

Once again enjoy it to your good health!

Cheers,
Enezdez

_________________
IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015

Very nice indeed Carl - it's great to see the latest chapter in your watch story!

Cartier really have done a great job in changing maket perception of what were always great watches and that is a very well balanced, timeless design, congratulations!

Enjoy. I just tried these one including the RG model. Quite nice and I might get one.

I also considered Cartier to be a mostly female-destined watch (maybe because of the jewelery part) but my knowledge has evolved a lot since joining BS.

_________________


- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Congratulations Carl!

I know that Cartier are the real deal and clearly make great watches but I still just can't get them out of my head as a high-end fashion brand; I'm working on it. Still a great addition to the collection Carl and a nice looking watch in all honesty.

_________________
Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Very nice Carl, these pictures are going to make my wait a little tougher but it's nice to see someone else on here pick up a Calibre.

Congrats and wear it in good health.

_________________
Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Many Congratualtions Carl.

Unlike others I have considered Cartier to be a jewellery AND watch brand for a long time.

Not many people realise the Santos was the first ever wrist watch.

The Calibre de Cartier immediately got my attention when it was announced.

Some of the high end horlogical offerings from Cartier recently have been very impressive indeed.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Thanks for al the pictures.

_________________
Forum Representative for Andrew Michaels Jewellers, UK

Please visit my Watch Blog at http://www.AndrewMichaels.co.uk

******Our new Pre-owned watch site www.amjwatches.co.uk is now live*****

Oh no, not this argument again..

_________________
Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

congrats on the new piece Carl. it looks awesome. i get the feeling the pics dont do the watch justice .

Great watch by a great watchmaker equals a great pickup. Congrats.

My flights are booked and I'll have this watch, except with the black dial, on my wrist in one month. It'll be a great weekend, picking up a new watch and seeing game 1 of the NLDS.

_________________
Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

congrats Justin, sounds like a perfect weekend!! Cant wait to see the pics!