Icons revisited and reinvented

CARTIER’S new releases perfectly capture the maison’s spirit of sophistication and adventure, with a touch of playful innovation. The Cartier Prive Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph reinterprets the iconic tortoise-inspired shape from 1912, while the Tank Americaine is upsized with subtle refinements for a sleeker silhouette. Adding a whimsical twist, the Santos-Dumont Rewind literally turns time on its head, with hands that move anti-clockwise. Meanwhile, the sleek Santos de Cartier Dual Time combines elegance and practicality, offering seamless dual-zone functionality for the modern traveller. Here, we take a closer look at each novelty.

Cartier Prive Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph

For its eighth edition, the Cartier Prive collection revives the iconic Tortue. Modelled after a tortoise shell, the Tortue’s distinctive tonneau-shaped case is an exercise in aesthetic purity and technical mastery. The new launch offers two models: an hours/minutes variant, and the standout Monopoussoir Chronograph, a complication that was introduced on the Tortue in 1928. The new 43.7 mm by 34.8 mm editions pay homage to Louis Cartier’s original 1912 design, while subtly reworking it with elongated horns and a slimmer profile for modern comfort. 

Powered by the ultra-thin Manufacture 1928 MC Calibre, the single-pusher chronograph functions of start, stop and reset are activated via a single button integrated into the crown. The movement’s hallmark is its expert craftsmanship, with Cote de Geneve decoration highlighting the curves of the bridges. Visible through the open caseback are the meticulously bevelled levers, springs and bridges, brushed metal and rimmed wheels and barrels.

Available in two precious metals and limited to 200 numbered editions each, the exquisite timepieces feature distinct dials. The platinum model is characterised by blued-steel, apple-shaped hands, a silvered opaline dial, rhodium-plated Roman numerals and a ruby cabochon; the yellow gold version flaunts gold-finish, apple-shaped hands, a grained golden-finish dial and a sapphire cabochon.

Tank Americaine

The latest iteration of the Cartier Tank Americaine (large model) is a refined homage to its iconic predecessor, balancing classic elegance with a modern twist. Originally introduced in 1988 and inspired by the 1921 Tank Cintree, the Tank Americaine has evolved over time, while maintaining its signature elongated rectangular case with round edges and angles. Featuring Cartier’s new Manufacture 1899 MC self-winding mechanical movement, the 44.4 mm by 24.4 mm large model is slimmer with more pronounced curves, so it moulds seamlessly to the curves of the wrist.

Its clean, minimalistic dial accentuates the purity of its form, with stretched Roman numerals and blued-steel, sword-shaped hands; the absence of a central seconds hand and date window provides a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

The seamless integration of the brancards (case sides and lugs) into the strap, along with refined proportions, result in a harmonious and fluid design that enhances the timeless charm of the watch. Capturing the effortless elegance synonymous with American style, the updated Tank Americaine masterfully balances classic and casual elements. This blend of tradition and modernity appeals to long-time Cartier fans and those looking for a sophisticated, contemporary timepiece that carries the weight of history and style.

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Santos-Dumont Rewind

The ever-popular Cartier Santos collection introduces an unexpected and playful timepiece that boldly reimagines the traditional concept of timekeeping.

Housed in a 31.5 mm by 43.5 mm platinum case, the 200-piece limited edition features a striking carnelian dial. But what sets the Rewind apart is its unique dial display, in which the Roman numerals are arranged in reverse, and the apple-shaped hands move anti-clockwise instead of clockwise. Powered by the manual-winding Calibre 230 MC, a mechanical movement with inverted rotation, this watch literally rewinds time. Limited to just 200 numbered pieces, the quirky Rewind offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a truly unconventional masterpiece that honours the original 1904 design.

Santos de Cartier Dual Time

Another new iteration in the Cartier Santos family, the Santos de Cartier Dual Time watch, combines two time zones in a single sleek design. Featuring a mechanical movement with automatic winding, the 40.2 mm by 47.5 mm model is presented in a polished-steel version featuring clean lines that seamlessly integrate the case and bracelet. Its rhodium-finish luminescent hands and grey counter for the second time zone add to its bold aesthetic. For ultimate versatility, Cartier’s patented QuickSwitch system makes the strap easily interchangeable, while the SmartLink system enables tool-free adjustments for added comfort and practicality.