Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXIII

1 2 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he launch of the Drive de Cartier was one of the most talked about topics in the hallowed halls of the Baselworld watch fair earlier this year. Why? Because here we have amodern day Cartier watch, with an in-house movement, a completely new shape, and an obvious embrace of masculine codes. And all these ingredients have clicked to make a masterpiece. It is the language of Cartier, captured in a contemporary timepiece. And while it is modern, it take its design cues from vintage automobiles, with a hint of radiator grilles seen in the dial’s fine guilloché work, and the crown is a nod to the sturdy type of bolts used in old motorcars. Add a pair of sword hands, a small date aperture and a sub- seconds dial and you have a little piece of horological harmony…You see it, you want it. In Cartier’s own words, “The taut curves and refined lines construct an identity that is stylish, elegant and modern: the language of Cartier is thus perfectly articulated.” Another nice touch is the range of choice in the Drive de Cartier watch, allowing customers to pick precisely the right combination of colour andmaterials. Choose a case in pink gold or steel, with a black, grey or white guilloché dial marked by Roman numerals. The caseback is transparent so you can take off this beauty and closely admire the proprietary calibre 1904 MC, which is also available in two versions: hours, minutes, small seconds and date for the 1904-PS MC, and second time zone, day/night indicator, large date and small seconds for the 1904-FU MC. The Drive de Cartier watch is also available in a fine watchmaking version, with a flying tourbillon 9452 MC, certified “Poinçon de Genève”. Cartier is not planning to push the Drive de Cartier to all international markets, but it is sure to become a stone cold classic. With a price point just over $6000, this will find a large audience and will find an assured place in Cartier’s heritage.