Created in the new Maison des Métiers d’Art on site at La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree watch reinvents the centuries-old technique of filigree using a figurative, precious approach. A creative heritage method that is testament to Cartier’s mission to perpetuate forgotten crafts and expertise.
As diaphanous as lace, the filigree is a technique of goldsmithing that uses gold or silver wires soldered together in order to create an openwork grid with a desired motif.
For Cartier, the challenge consisted not only in adapting it to the restrained dimensions of a watch case but also elevating this craft by opting for a very precious selection of jewellery materials such as gold, platinum and diamonds.
The craftsmen of the Maison des Métiers d’Art worked with beaten gold and platinum micro-wires that required specific equipment specially created on site. Twisted, rolled, curled and cut into little rings, these wires were assembled using the «openwork» filigree technique that allows the elements to be attached on the sides but not to the base.
Over a month of work was required to create this lacework watch that is home to a pair of panthers whose black-lacquer-spotted coats are literally woven from fine filigree elements of gold and platinum set with diamonds. This delicate feline tête-à-tête is set against the background of a starry sky and surrounded by a middle pavé-set with diamonds, which is partly covered by the motif.
The 42 mm case in 18-carat yellow gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds houses a
mechanical movement with manual winding.The Ronde Louis Cartier Filigree watch is a limited serie of 20 numbered pieces.
