Drive de Cartier 2017 Collection: New Releases
Watch aficionados welcomed the release of Cartier’s Drive de Cartier collection with open arms at the 2016 edition of SIHH. A series of timepieces targeting men, the Drive de Cartier line inaugurated a brand new cushion-shaped case, emphasizing the refined elegance for which the brand is known. During SIHH 2017, Cartier expanded on the initial collection by adding two more exquisite pieces: the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat and the Drive de Cartier Moon Phases.
The Drive de Cartier collection joins other iconic men’s Cartier watches such as the Cartier Santos, the Cartier Tank, the Cartier Ballon Bleu, the Cartier Roadster, the Cartier Rotonde, and the Cartier Ronde. With these two new Drive de Cartier models, in two different materials each, the brand is solidifying the fact that they’re aligning themselves with classic and timeless looks that will never go out of style regardless of the decade. Here below, we breakdown the Cartier Drive de Cartier 2017 collection…
Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in White Gold
The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is more than 40% thinner when compared to Cartier’s 2016 releases in the same collection, making it an exceptionally sleek watch that would sit comfortably on a wrist for any occasion.
This white gold Cartier watch (Ref: WGNM0007) boasts a streamlined design, where the cushion-shaped case measures 38mm by 39mm and just 6.6mm thick. Adorning the timepiece’s 18k white gold octagon-shaped crown is a faceted vivid blue sapphire, while a gorgeous sunray effect embellishes the silver color satin-brushed dial. To further strengthen the timelessness of this piece, Cartier has used large Roman numerals, a railway minute track, and classic sword-shaped hands, which in blued steel reflect the sapphire-set crown. In keeping with this clean aesthetic, the maison has done away with the small second hand and date.
Housed within is the ultra-thin manually wound 430 MC caliber measuring 2.1mm thick and 20.5mm in diameter, running with a power reserve of 36 hours. Water-resistant to 30 meters and paired with a dark gray alligator strap with an Ardillon buckle in 18k white gold, this version of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is limited to just 200 pieces.
Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in Pink Gold
The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in pink gold (Ref: WGNM0006) mirrors all the elements of the white gold edition, apart from the case and crown, which are made up of 18k pink gold. The warm hue of the pink gold Cartier watch adds an extra layer of elegance to this dapper timepiece, making it the perfect complement to a well-tailored suit or a smart casual look. Paired with a semi-matte brown alligator skin leather strap with an 18mm Ardillon buckle in 18k pink gold, this, however, is not a limited edition piece.
Drive de Cartier Moon Phases Watch in Pink Gold
The Drive de Cartier Moon Phases in pink gold (Ref: WGNM0008) echoes last year’s Drive collection by continuing the 40mm by 41mm cushion-shaped case and flinqué silvered dial. For those who prefer a larger sized watch and more ornamentation on the dial (and further mechanical complications), the Moon Phases model offers an ideal answer while still maintaining that restrained air. Similar to the Extra-Flat, the Drive de Cartier Moon Phases boasts an 18k pink gold octagonal crown capped by a faceted blue sapphire, classic Roman numerals on the periphery of the face, and blued steel sword-shaped hands. At 6 o’clock, however, breaking the minute track, the watch displays its moon phases sub-dial — the revered complication that measures the moon’s cycles and requires adjustment only one day every 125 years. Completing the design of the sub-dial is the word “Automatic,” in reference to its movement.
Encased within the Drive de Cartier Moon Phases and visible via the sapphire crystal caseback is the manufacture’s new automatic winding caliber 1904-LU MC. Holding a longer power reserve of 48 hours, this movement operates at 28,800 Hz. Completing the Moon Phases watch is a semi-matte brown alligator skin leather strap with an 18mm adjustable folding buckle in 18k pink gold.
Drive de Cartier Moon Phases in Steel
As with the variant of the Extra-Flat, the Drive de Cartier Moon Phases in steel (Ref: WSNM0008) features much of the same elements as the pink gold version. Made up of robust steel, however, the case and crown offer a sturdier look that would not be out of place day or night. Keeping in line with this collection’s blue accents, while maintaining the affordability of this particular timepiece, a synthetic faceted blue spinel is set within the octagon-shaped crown. Rounded off with a semi-matte leather strap made from black alligator skin with an 18mm adjustable steel folding buckle, this watch definitely falls on the more moderately priced end of the spectrum for the brand, thus permitting a wider audience the privilege to buy a Cartier watch.
At Gray & Sons, we are proud to carry a fine selection of pre-owned women’s and men’s Cartier watches including used Cartier Santos, secondhand Cartier Pasha, previously owned Cartier Tank, like-new Cartier Roadster, and other Cartier models. For a look at steel and gold Cartier watches, please browse our inventory HERE.
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