INTRODUCING: The All-New Cartier Masse Mystérieuse

Skeleton watches are an incredible pieces of watchmaking prowess. To be able to view all the inner workings of your wristwatch, without needing to turn it over and peer through the caseback is something truly captivating. Different watch producers each have their own vision of the “perfect” skeletonized watch, with different styles being employed by each brand. Cartier’s newest interpretation of the skeleton watch is an extraordinary feat of engineering - The Cartier Masse Mystérieuse.

THE BASICS:

BRAND: Cartier

Model: Masse Mystérieuse

Case Material: 950 Platinum

Case Size: 43.5mm x 12.64mm

Water Resistance: TBD but likely 50 meters

Movement: Calibre 9801MC (Movement contained within the automatic winding rotor)

Movement Specs: 42-hour power reserve, 28,800VpH

Strap Options: Charcoal Gray Alligator Leather strap

THE JUICE:

This is Cartier’s newest interpretation of the ultimate skeleton watch. The watch movement is automatically wound via rotor, as automatic movements typically are. However, Cartier used a limited-slip differential system to place the movement itself within the spinning rotor. The differential system is typically something seen on high-end sports cars to produce an even distribution of power, but in this case, Cartier uses it to make sure the hour and minute hands don’t spin with the movement. The spinning movement brought up additional issues with the balance wheel, and the motion of the movement had to be regulated to ensure accuracy. According to Cartier, this watch took 8 years of development to create, and it is clear to see why. To assemble a spinning watch movement that winds itself is an absurd concept, but Cartier pulls it off elegantly.

The watch itself is glaringly Cartier in style. From the fully polished sword-shaped hands to the ruby cabochon crown, this watch is a Cartier, through and through. The mixture of finishes throughout the movement provides a good amount of contrast to one another, and the style is fully tied together by the fully polished platinum case. The tastefulness with which this marvel of engineering displays itself is unmistakably Cartier.

This watch is a marvel of engineering that you can wear on your wrist. Cartier not only extended the bounds of what is possible in the world of watchmaking, but they created this impressive innovation in a timelessly classic way. This watch won’t be for everyone, but I definitely enjoy it.

So how much is the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse?

Price for the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse will come in at €250,000 / $276,125 USD.

Read more about the watch on the Cartier website.