Over the course of their history, Cartier has developed an incredibly strong history as a revered watchmaker, with models like the Tank, Santos, Crash and many others earning their place within the horological spotlight. However, while these may be icons from a historical and design standpoint, they typically don’t feature a level of watchmaking that is all too impressive. As a result, Cartier launched the Rotonde de Cartier collection to showcase their horological talents, and this example, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon ref. W1556205 is no different. Made out of 18kt rose gold, its circular 47mm polished construction is immediately unique from Cartier’s typically svelte angular designs. Building upon this unique construction is the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon’s unique dial. Featuring an architectural aesthetic, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon’s silver dial is unique due to its external tourbillon that rotates around the dial once every 60 seconds and operates as a seconds hand. Boasting a raised central platform that stands on top of this tourbillon carriage is the time display, with Cartier’s signature rosette guilloche engraving and chemin de fer chapter ring along its periphery. Underneath the tourbillon carriage is the extension of this raised central dial with the same rosette guilloche engraving and a chapter ring that houses the black Roman numerals that are key to Cartier’s aesthetic. Powered by the in-house manual-wind cal. 9451 MC, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon showcases Cartier’s ability to take a century-old design, the tourbillon, and repackage it as something unique, interesting and technically impressive.

A vehicle to demonstrate Cartier's horological prowess, the Rotonde de Cartier is a fascinating collection, and this Astrotourbillon example proves exactly why with its unique display, incredibly impressive movement, and luxurious construction and finishing all combining into one wonderful package.