Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch
Cartier repeatedly demonstrates its creative prowess by continually conceiving fascinating horological forms. The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch proves no exception, blending circular and square contours to glorious effect. Angus Davies appraises this sumptuous watch at close quarters.
Throughout its history, Cartier has demonstrated incredible creativity, looking beyond the mainstream and conceiving horological forms that few other firms have ever imagined. While Cartier inevitably produces the ubiquitous round watch, it also offers cushion, rectangular, square and tonneau cases. Its ‘Crash’ models defy description, resembling a distorted asymmetrical shape that looks like it has been subject to colossal heat.
Recently, while visiting London, I took time to visit the Cartier boutique on Sloane Street, eager to see the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch. Despite this timepiece being unveiled a couple of years ago, this was the first opportunity I had to see the watch at close quarters.
I can already reveal that one glimpse at this breathtaking watch and I was smitten. This elegant model perpetuates Cartier’s renown for making graceful timepieces. Allow me to elaborate further.
The dial
A casual glance at the dial of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch may lead some observers to wrongly assume it is round. However, a closer look reveals the dial area is a fusion of round and square forms. Indeed, the dial on this watch has four corners, albeit they are soft, gentle and unassuming.
Blued-steel sword-shaped hour and minute hands enunciate the prevailing hours clearly. Interestingly, the hands are modestly sized, especially considering the expansive nature of the dial canvas. A neat minute track frames the central dial area, augmenting readability. Each hour is denoted with elongated Roman numerals. These generously proportioned numerals dominate the epidermis of the dial. However, all elements seem optimally sized, delivering a sublime aesthetic.
Close examination of the dial reveals delightful morsels of mouthwatering detail. For instance, the index at 7 o’clock incorporates the maker’s nomen and the surface of the dial is embellished with a satin-brushed finish, incorporating a sunray motif. While this latter form of decoration appears on some competing watches, Cartier has shrewdly elected to modulate the definition of the motif in order to create a series of fine, subtle and understated lines. This softly-spoken nature is consistent with the overall design language of the watch.
The case
The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch is housed in an 18-carat white gold case. Despite both axis appearing identical, the actual width (39mm) is one millimetre greater than the length (38mm). In addition, I found that when worn, the watch seemed larger than its stated dimensions. Nevertheless, be rest assured this watch could never be described as a leviathan and exhibits a sense of modesty at all times.
Measuring 6.6mm in height, this watch has a slender torso. Its case confers an unobtrusive and incredibly comfortable union with the wrist. A flat sapphire crystal helps mitigate depth, heightening the perception of neatness.
The crown eschews knurling in favour of eight facets. These not only grant ease of manipulation but also provide a stylish frame around the sapphire gracing the vertical flank of the crown. This latter detail introduces a touch of glamour to the crown’s appearance while upholding the seemly character of the watch.
Cartier has tastefully combined highly polished and brushed surfaces. The bezel and upper lug surfaces gleam resplendently, while the case band and solid case back are presented in a muted satin brush.
The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch is presented on a grey semi-matt alligator strap paired with an 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
The movement
The Calibre 430 MC is at the heart of this stylish creation. As stated earlier, the hand-wound movement sits behind a solid case back, precluding any assessment of the finissage.
The balance has a frequency of 21,600 VpH (3Hz) and the rate is adjusted with a raquette. The movement contains 18 jewels and the power reserve is sufficient to deliver 36 hours of autonomous operation.
Closing remarks
Cartier is a paragon of luxury. Its watches exude a fabulous tactility and promise years of reliable service. Most notably though, the Maison is synonymous with making watches that exhibit lasting eye-appeal. There are numerous models in the firm’s catalogue which have been best sellers for decades and yet continue to exhibit a fresh-faced appearance.
Over the years, the creativity of the company has been breathtaking, manifest with some of the most extraordinary watch styles to hit the high street. The firm’s designers have never shied from experimenting with geometric shapes and irregular forms. However, this penchant for the unorthodox has always conformed with notions of good taste.
This brings me to the appearance of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch. This watch has a prepossessing mien that cleverly plays with proportions. The hands seem slightly small and the indexes are oversized, but when viewed as a whole everything seems optimally proportioned and the overall aesthetic proves sublime.
Cartier has introduced subtle details while always holding back a little, clearly not wanting to over season a beautiful composition. Nothing is too much, too elaborate or excessive. Grace and refinement are omnipresent.
Ordinarily I shun the advances of slender watches, preferring those timepieces possessing a fulsome figure, however, after my sojourn to Cartier’s boutique on Sloane Street I have succumbed to the coquettish charms of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch, a model with the most enchanting physique.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Watch
- Reference: WGNM0007
- Case: 18-carat white gold; dimensions 39mm (w) x 38mm (l) x 6.6mm (h); water resistance 3ATM (30 metres) sapphire crystal to front and solid case back
- Functions: Hours; minutes
- Movement: Calibre 430 MC; manual winding movement; frequency 21,600 VpH (3Hz); 18 jewels; power reserve 36 hours.
- Strap: Grey semi-matt alligator strap paired with a 18-carat white gold pin buckle
- Price: £13,800 (RRP as at 2.12.2019)
- Limited Edition: 200 pieces