MODERN DANCE
With its movement nestled in an oscillating weight, this work of haute horlogerie imagined by the Parisian house is without a doubt one of the most beautiful pieces presented this year.
It was more than a century ago, in 1912 to be precise, that Cartier unveiled its first mysterious clocks. As enigmatic as they were fascinating, with their hands that seemed to float in the air without any restraint, over time these pieces have seen their movements miniaturized to be encased in wristwatches. The Parisian company is reviving this watchmaking spectacle, for which it alone holds the secret, by presenting Masse Mystérieuse, a limited edition of 30 pieces and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful models presented this year.
Modern dance or contemporary ballet, time is displayed in motion, the hours are aerial, the minutes twirling, indicated by a set of central sword-like hands attached to a differential system that cadences their regular rhythm without being affected by the irregular swing of the oscillating weight. It is within the latter, recognizable thanks to its wide fan shape, that the caliber 9801 MC nestles. This self-winding manufacture skeleton movement, which vibrates at 4 hours, provides 42 hours of power reserve and integrates a bidirectional rotor, required 8 years of development before being able to offer this unheard of moving picture. The 950 platinum case, 43.5mm in diameter and 12.64mm thick, which is also available in a version lined with baguette-cut diamonds, is worn on a matte alligator leather strap in anthracite gray or black.
