The Astrotourbillon movement, which was introduced last year after five years of development in the Manufacture, now powers the Calibre de Cartier watch.The distinctive Cartier fake timepiece with spectacular diameter is compensated by the extreme lightness of titanium and exhibits meticulous finishes on both the case and the movement. It is available in a limited-edition series of 100 individually numbered timepieces.The spectacular tourbillon, named the Astrotourbillon, has several special features that make it unique.

First, its carriage is positioned in the centre of the movement and thus relies on a special rotational axis, which involved redesigning the entire gear train, from the twin barrels of the movement to the hours and minutes displays.

Second, the balance and the escape wheel are not on the same rotational axis as the carriage. They are set to one side of the carriage, in linear alignment with its rotational axis.

And last, the tourbillon carriage is positioned “above” the movement between two dials, instead of being directly integrated into the movement like a classic tourbillon. This central construction is unusual and has both aesthetic and technical consequences. Visually, the elongated carriage makes one revolution of the entire dial every minute, while the off-centred balance bridge, shaped like an arrow, indicates the seconds.

Technically, to ensure that the carriage is perfectly balanced, a platinum counterweight has been added to the opposite side of the carriage, hidden under the central dial. In order to control its inertia during rotation, the weight of the carriage has had to be limited (0.39 g in total, excluding the counterweight), which is why it has been fashioned from titanium.

A refined case

Designed in 2010, the calibre 9451 MC is housed in an imposing new 47 mm case that offers a fitting framework for its technical creativity. The lightweight titanium gives a natural feeling of power and presence, reinforced by the exceptional wearing comfort of an ergonomic design featuring four horns that curve down to embrace the shape of the wrist. Its refined silhouette is punctuated by a satin-brushed and polished double shoulder, which protects the octagonal crown from any shocks that could interfere with the watch’s operation. The rigorous standards and creativity demonstrated by these details extend to the Roman numerals, which offer a striking reinterpretation of the Cartier codes with an extra-large XII numeral dominating the dial. Its identity is further enhanced by a succession of semi-circular finishes, which perfectly reflect the dynamics of the 21st century.

Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, calibre 9451 MC

Case: titanium

Diameter: 47 mm

Crown: octagonal in titanium, set with a faceted sapphire

Crystal: sapphire

Case back: sapphire crystal

Water-resistance: 30 metres

Strap: black alligator skin

Clasp: double folding adjustable, in 18 carat white gold

Calibre 9451 MC, Astrotourbillon

Movement: Manufacture Astrotourbillon mechanical, with manual winding

Diameter: 17 ¾ lines, (40.10 mm)

Thickness: 9.01 mm

Number of jewels: 23

Number of parts: 192

Balance: 21,600 vibrations/hour

Power reserve: approx. 48 hours

Individually numbered movement