Maillon de Cartier Watch
The Maillon de Cartier Watch is a new creation for 2020. It is the latest in a long procession of form watches, imaginatively conceived by the famous Parisian Maison. Today, Cartier is also an honorary member of British society, beloved by Royalty and other discerning clientele. On one hand, it conforms to societal etiquette and yet it also demonstrates a willingness to set aside accepted norms of watchmaking. Once again, Cartier has conceived an incredibly imaginative watch design encompassing a myriad of different shapes.
The History of Cartier
The history of Cartier dates back to 1847 when Louis-François Cartier took over a jewellery workshop on Rue Montorgueil in Paris. Ever since, the Maison has remained unequivocally Parisian with its global headquarters still located in the city.
In 1909, Cartier expanded, opening boutiques in New York and London. The London store was at 175-177 New Bond Street, a location it still operates from today. Despite its French ancestry, Cartier is very much part of British society. The Maison is associated with polo as well as its famous patrons Wallis Simpson and her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor. The brand has been referred to as ‘the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers’ and currently holds a Royal Warrant, ‘By Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales.’ Put simply, Cartier is part of Britain’s polite and genteel society.
Cartier and form watches
However, despite its impeccable breeding, Cartier has never felt constrained by the accepted norms of watchmaking. While most watch companies favour round cases, Cartier has repeatedly veered from the well-trodden path of others and found its own route to greatness. Indeed, over the years, Cartier has become known for ‘form’ watches, demonstrating its remarkable ingenuity and design prowess.
Names such as Baignore, Clé, Drive, Santos, Tank and Tortue models have rolled off the lips of many self-confessed aesthetes and have been the subject of many desirous thoughts. This year, the brand has unveiled the Maillon de Cartier Watch, yet another masterful design from the firm known for presenting its creations in exquisite red and gold boxes.
Maillon de Cartier Watch – the brand’s press release
The Maillon de Cartier Watch is first and foremost a statement of style. The chain-link bracelet remains a composed centrepiece, one that plays on classic codes, whilst reinventing today’s attitudes.
The Maillon de Cartier watch is firstly a jewel designed by the Cartier watchmaking studios. A precious watch that resides in the creative watchmaking repertoire of the Maison. A bracelet whose chain-links are offset and aligned on the bias by Cartier. Well-rounded and opulent, they move in time with the ultra-feminine elegance of the Maillon de Cartier watch.
It all lies in the twist of the lines, in the torsion emphasising the perspective within which the watch dial blends. This interpretation allows the case and links to entwine themselves in one graphic motion.
Rectangular links, a hexagonal dial, bevelled brancards: the design of the Maillon de Cartier watch incites Cartier’s rhythmic geometry. An ambition to structure the watch, from the form of its links to its faceted case, radicalises the spirit of the watch. Its volume is tangible, angular and dense.
A precious collection, the Maillon de Cartier watch also unites exceptional pieces with stones that enhance the design. The dials are inlaid to echo the sequencing of the stones set in the links. The choice of stones in the blue lacquer and tsavorite version adds to the kinetic relief of the watch.
A graphic effect and contrast that Cartier accentuates with a version in yellow gold and diamonds with black lacquer bevelled links.
