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 Jump Hour ref. W1553751 is no different. Made out of 18kt rose 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 Jump Hour’s unique dial. Featuring a tonal aesthetic with various shades of greys and silver, the Rotonde de Cartier Jump Hour’s dial is unique due to Roman numeral jump hour indicator at 12 o’clock that is framed by the same plate that acts as the rest of the dial’s indices. With this raised central platform, the Jump Hour’s display features a rich level of depth that is added to by its rosette guilloche, its Cartier signed cartouche and minute scale chapter ring and hidden minute hand that has taken the form of a grey concentric brushed ring just within the minute scale with a black arrow that points to the minute. Powered by the in-house manual-wind cal. 9905MC, the Rotonde de Cartier Jump Hour showcases Cartier’s ability to take an age-old design, the jump hour, and repackage it as something unique and interesting that fits within their design language perfectly.

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, luxurious construction and unmistakable Cartier design language.