Introduction
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 Central Chronograph ref. W1556051 is no different. Made out of 18kt white gold, its 42mm polished construction is immediately unique from Cartier’s typically svelte angular designs. Building upon this unique construction is the Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph’s unique dial. Featuring a tonal aesthetic with various shades of grey, silver, and black, the Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph’s dial is unique due to its chronograph display's position. While watchmakers have long used separate subdials within the dial to house the minutes and seconds displays of their chronographs, the Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph is completely different. It uses a raised central platform with the chronograph’s minutes track that rotates in its center and a seconds track along its periphery that is pointed to by a small blued steel hand. With just the tip of its blued steel hour and minutes hands exposed, the Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph is still legible, much like a normal timepiece, as its large black Roman numerals provide the wearer with a regular time-reading experience. Powered by the in-house manual-wind cal. 9907MC, the Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph showcases Cartier’s ability to take a century-old design, the chronograph, and repackage it as something unique and interesting.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Rotonde De Cartier Central Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 9907MC
Reference
W1556051 / 2956
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2010s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Grey
THE DIAL
Featuring a monochromatic aesthetic, the Rotonde de Cartier's dial is as stunning as it is groundbreaking, with its chronograph display in the center with a seconds track surrounding the minutes track at the core of the watch.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Larger than Cartier's traditional timepieces, the Rotonde de Cartier uses a 42mm 18kt white gold case to fit its impressive hand-wound movement and beautiful information-dense dial.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good used condition. There are numerous marks visible on the case and bezel, which include marks and scratches. They could be significantly improved with a polishing of the case.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A vehicle to demonstrate Cartier's horological prowess, the Rotonde de Cartier is a fascinating collection, and this example proves exactly why with its unique display, impressive movement and luxurious construction.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
