Cartier Calibre de Cartier Tourbillon Volant

The Calibre de Cartier models broke ground for the famed jewelry house in the early 2000s by marking Cartier’s first line of serially produced in-house movements. The incredible example featured here displays the line’s impeccable style combined with one of horology’s most impressive achievements, the tourbillon volant, or “flying” tourbillon.

Taken from the French word meaning “whirlwind,” the tourbillon’s hypnotic oscillation embodies its name flawlessly. Patented by famed watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, the classic tourbillon endeavored to counteract the effects of the Earth’s gravitational pull on watch movements, known as positional error. The solution was to suspend the balance wheel, balance springs, and escapement in constant oscillation within a cage, averaging out any potential errors caused by gravity when the watch rests in one position for too long.

The tourbillon distinguishes itself further by the absence of an upper bridge in the cage. Supported only from below, this distinguishing feature provides an unobstructed view of the impressive movement. The result is a timepiece of the highest precision and visual wonder.

Housed in an 18k white gold case, this exceptional Cartier example features an undeniably bold design. The time displays on a sleek and minimalist dial with a single Roman numeral at the 12 o’clock position to indicate the hours and an outer chapter ring to display the minutes. A subsidiary dial at the 6 o’clock position uses the tourbillon cage’s minute-of-rotation period as the seconds hand while showcasing the impressive movement flawlessly.

A 19-jewel movement powers the watch, with an astounding 142 components, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and a 50-hour power reserve. This remarkable wristwatch comes with an 18-month warranty.

The watch measures 45 mm wide x 10.8 mm thick

Serial# W710003

Circa 2010