Introducing the new Ronde Must de Cartier

Looking for an accessible yet elegant timepiece from Maison Cartier? Look no further than the latest additions to the Cartier Ronde collection. The Ronde Must plays up the quintessential Cartier dial in its most uninterrupted expression, contemporary yet ageless. This is the one watch that will complement your entire wardrobe no matter the occasion, season, or year. Stylish in its simplicity, the Ronde Must provides the finishing touch to the most elegant attire, adding a touch of class to a more causal affair the next. Available in three unisex case sizes, its slim design makes the Ronde Must easy-to-wear and even easier to style. And while it may sit at the more affordable end of the Maison’s offerings, Cartier’s legendary attention to detail and reputation for quality is still very much on display here.

Keep reading to learn all about the new Ronde Must de Cartier, available from Watches of Switzerland now.

Round Case In A Square World

No other watchmaker in the world is as celebrated for its angular and irregular-shaped watches. Since the Maison began its foray into wristwatches in the early-20th century, shape has played a leading role in the Cartier design process, known as “The Culture of Design”. Pioneered by Louis Cartier, the approach can be summed up as an aesthetic experimentation in non-standard watch shapes, which has given rise to a number of iconic designs over the years. Including a square-style that went on to become the basis for the legendary Santos de Cartier in 1904.

Louis Cartier’s knack for geometrical designs was foundational in building the brand’s early success. So much so that over the years Cartier has favoured the use of squares, rectangles, even ovals, almost shying completely away from the humble circle for its watch case designs. However, among those first pocket watches and throughout the 20th century examples of the round Cartier watch can be found, though never serially produced in high numbers.

This all changed in the 2000s, when the “Ronde” was introduced to the full production catalogue. Looking right back to a circle-shaped pocket watch for its initial inspiration, the Ronde pays tribute to Louis Cartier’s ingenious original designs. The contemporary line started with the Ronde Louis Cartier, followed by the Ronde Solo and Rotonde de Cartier watches. The new Ronde Must offers the most reserved version to date, yet its simple use of the iconic Cartier dial makes for a contemporary winner.

The Iconic Dial

The main talking point of the new Ronde Must is undoubtedly the dial. This classic format was established by Louis Cartier among those first pocket watches he designed for the company in the late 19th-century. Later adopted on the hugely popular Santos, the oversized Roman numerals and inner train track chapter have become a much-desired calling card, gracing countless iconic Cartier watches, including; the Tank, Panthère and Ballon de Cartier. However, rarely do we ever get to see the original circular arrangement without interruption.

But for a date aperture at 3 o’clock in the large option, the Ronde Must offers a completely unobstructed display of the well-known Roman numerals. At full height and evenly-spaced around the dial, including the traditional “IIII” index for 4 o’clock, it’s this lack of alteration that gives the Ronde Must its value. Unobtrusive, yet impeccably tasteful, this is the ultimate in understatement when it comes to a fine timepiece from Cartier.
 

The Ronde Must de Cartier

The new Ronde Must is available in three case sizes: 40 mm x 9.62mm, 36 mm x 7.89mm and 29 mm x 7.54mm. All versions are offered in a stainless case with polished and brushed finishes and feature short lugs and beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. The sandblasted silvered dial provides the perfect canvas for the bold printed numerals, minute track and blued sword-shaped hands. The high-contrasting combination helping to communicate the time clearly and easily.

Sitting flat to the wrist, the low-profile of the Ronde Must makes it a comfortable watch to wear. Each of the sizes are available on either a bracelet or a black strap. The steel bracelet features Cartier’s sturdy ‘H-links’ design, with hidden clasp. (Several of the links are removable to enable the best fit possible.) The non-animal leather strap comes with a steel deployment buckle.

The large size Ronde Must is powered by a mechanical movement with automatic winding, the manufacture calibre 1847 MC, which has a power reserve of 42 hours. While the medium and small sizes run on high autonomy quartz movements. (Approximate lifespan: 8 years.) Visually, the large model is distinguished by the addition of a date function and a central seconds hand. Water resistance for the Ronde Must is up to 3 bar (approximately 30 m/100 ft).

A Must For Your Collection

Truly versatile in its wearability, the Ronde Must de Cartier will be especially popular with fashion savvy watch lovers who value a more minimalist style. However, the opportunity to own a round Cartier with a clean and instantly recognisable dial may well tempt all manner of enthusiasts. To find out how you can add one to your collection, please contact your nearest Watches of Switzerland boutique today.