Introducing The Calibre de Cartier Chronograph: An Impressive New In-House Movement (Live Pics + Pricing)

January 21, 2013

Big news coming out of SIHH 2013 from that force majeur that is Cartier: theyreintroducing their first in-house chronograph movement, the 1904-CH MC, in theCalibre de Cartier Chronograph. The self-winding vertical-clutch column wheelmotor is based on the brands Calibre de Cartier movement. We got our hands onit today and it is impressive in several respects.Vertical-clutch column wheel chronos are renowned for theirsmooth and instant actuation and the Calibre is no exception. Start, stop, andreset require just the right amount of pressure and offer a satisfying click that made the chronograph a pleasure to use. Cartier has made use of a linear return to zerohammer in the movement to ensure instant resetting of all hands, regardless ofthe pressure applied to the reset pusher. For self-winding, the rotor rides onceramic ball bearings and utilizes a click system in place of traditionalreversers, ensuring more efficient winding in both directions. Power reserve isa fairly common 48 hours. Calibre de Cartier Chronograph on the wrist. Visually, the watch carries forward the bold, sporty Calibrede Cartier styling cues, with complementing brushed and polished surfaces,sword hands, and the familiar oversized Roman numeral dial. But the twinsub-dials and engraved railroad track bezel are nicely balanced and restrained, and the pushers are integrated into the crown protectors. The Chronograph willbe built in steel and rose gold, with the steel available on a three-linkbracelet or leather strap. With a $10,800 retail price in steel and leather, this watchenters a growing field of in-house chronographs, from the Rolex Daytona toBreitlings B01-based and IWCs 89365-based chronos. Given Cartiers popularityand burgeoning reputation for fine watchmaking, its competitors will certainlybe paying close attention to this one. And you can be we will too.