Ahead of the SIHH 2019, Cartier announced a major comeback of one of its oldest models, the Tonneau watch, available in the Privé collection. Next week in Geneva, at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the new Tonneau Grand Modèle watches and the superb Tonneau Double Fuseau Squelette models will not go unnoticed.
Another Cartier collection revisits the Maison’s signature watch shapes every year. The Cartier Libre line reconnects forms and origins and shows the richness of inspiration of Cartier's repertoire of forms. While the five Cartier Libre models of last year played on black and white, in 2019 Cartier Libre presents a technicolour vision: by highlighting or putting certain aspects into perspective, the colour exposes previously imperceptible facets and offers new interpretations to a Tank Chinoise watch, a Diagonale watch and two Baignoire Allongée watches.
Tank Chinoise Red Watch
Cartier chose to pair this watch from 1921 with a colour imbued with strong symbolism in China: red, for passion and vitality. The square is lengthened to become a rectangular case in white gold that is bordered by two lintels of calibrated rubies highlighted by black enamel and a line of brilliant-cut diamonds. The complete composition and the tension between the coloured elements and the diamonds strengthens the original architectural reference of this watch. The Tank Chinoise Red Watch houses a quartz movement and is fitted with a black alligator leather strap. It is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
Diagonale Watch
Although quite unlike any other, this watch seems to be taken straight from the Maison’s sketchbooks. The lines of burgundy or black enamel are accompanied by paved brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a new and daring harmony from the use of colour. The white-gold watch features a minuscule dial distinctively stamped with Cartier’s watchmaking codes and the two hands are powered by a quartz movement. This numbered limited edition of 50 pieces is worn on a burgundy alligator strap.
Baignoire Allongée Céladon & Baignoire Allongée Black Watches
The Baignoire Allongée Watch is available in white or yellow gold and is studded with emeralds and Paraiba tourmalines or black spinels and yellow sapphires respectively. A black or green alligator strap, matching the precious stones, extends their color brilliance. The dial is paved with 573 brilliant-cut diamonds and the manually-wound 1917 MC movement powers the hours and minutes. Each model is limited to 50 pieces.
