There is hardly anything more impressive in the world of watchmaking then a Grande Complication. All the skill and know-how of a brand incorporated in one single piece, resulting in a watch that can and has almost everything. These watches are as prestigious as they are rare, not only to their owners but also to the brands that create them. For them it is a sign that they are not only capable of creating the individual complications, but also incorporating them into one single piece. A tour the force that Cartier already introduced in the Rotonde collection in 2010, and this year, they present its successor.

The new Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication is by no means more of the same. Although it clearly shares the same DNA as the 2010-edition, it is a whole different animal. For the 2015 edition the chronograph function was replaced by a minute repeater complication and the tourbillon was replaced for a flying tourbillon. As a result the lay-out of the dial has also switched towards a more classical configuration.

Although hidden at the back of the movement, the Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication is indeed an automatic watch. A micro-rotor, crafted from platinum to give it substantial weight, powers the watch. Power management is of course a challenge in a watch with this many complications, as is managing the tight space available. Cartier was capable to pack all the 578 components into a movement only 5.49mm thick. The fact that the whole movement is skeletonized as well, only adds to the complexity of this Grande Complication, especially since it also meets all the requirements, and is therefor rewarded with, the Geneva Seal.

Cartier will craft a limited edition of 50 pieces with a platinum case, while an additional 10 will feature a pave setting with Baguette cut diamonds.

All images courtesy of Geo Cramer

Martin Green
Eclectic taste in Haute Horlogerie, passion for diamond set watches, loves the classics

Read Revolution International Digital Editon on iPad, Android or desktop with the Zinio newsstand app.
Also, please follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Flickr and Twitter