Introducing: The Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat In Stainless Steel And Yellow Gold

January 15, 2018

These two new models of the Drive Extra-Flat are very much the same watch we saw a year ago at SIHH 2017, just in different metals. The classic yellow gold and stainless steel cases are great choices for a design like this and the approximately 39mm size (technically the watch is slightly wider than it is long) means both will wear great on a variety of wrists. The svelte 6.6mm?profile makes this a true ultra-thin too. Sitting alongside the time-and-date, moonphase, travel-time, and even tourbillon versions Drive, this is the simplest watch in the Drive collection and the purest expression of the design. In White And Rose At last year's SIHH, Cartier introduced the Drive Extra-Flat in both white gold and rose gold (the former a limited edition of 200 pieces). After last year's positive response, they're rounding out the offering with yellow gold and steel. Why This Watch Matters It's not every day that Cartier comes out with a completely new shape, so when the Drive was released in 2016, it was a big move for the brand. The cushion shape felt sort of familiar but fresh at the same time, and it was clear that Cartier had created something that it could iterate on and evolve in a number of different directions. This was confirmed last year with the introduction of the Drive Extra-Flat, which dedicated collectors and casual Cartier fans both fawned over immediately. These new watches extend that sub-collection and offer a two great new options to people considering the model, including one perfect for everyday wear. Initial Thoughts I wasn't bashful about my love for the Drive Extra-Flat at last year's SIHH, and I have no intention to be bashful about my love for it this time around. I was a little skeptical when the original Drive watches debuted, but the Extra-Flat to me is Cartier at its very best. The shape has a bit of character without being garish, the little details are handled superbly, and the overall effect is at once effortless and elegant. The only question remaining is whether I like the steel or yellow gold model better. And to be honest, it's a really tough choice... The Basics Brand: CartierModel: Drive de Cartier Extra-FlatDimensions: 38mm x 39mm Thickness: 6.6mmCase Material: Stainless steel or yellow goldDial Color: SilveredIndexes: Printed black Roman numeralsLume: NoneWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Blue alligator strap with steel ardillon buckle (steel), grey alligator strap wth yellow gold ardillon buckle (rose gold) The details on the dial and case are handled extremely well here. The Movement Caliber: 430 MC, which is Cartier's version of the Piaget 430PFunctions: Hours, minutesDiameter: 20.5mmThickness: 2.1mmPower Reserve: 36 hoursWinding: ManualFrequency: 3.5 Hz (21,600 vph)Jewels: 18 Pricing & Availability Price: $5,600 (stainless steel), $15,400 (yellow gold)Availability: September 2018Limited Edition: The yellow gold model will only be made for one year.For more click here.