Cartier

• cal. 9542 MC manual winding movement, 19 jewels, one-minute tourbillon • silvered guilloché dial, raised track with painted Roman numerals, secret signature at X, aperture for tourbillon carriage • 18k white gold case, cabochon sapphire-set crown, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Cartier deployant clasp

The dial and hands are in excellent condition. The case has very minor scuffs and scratches throughout which is consistent with little use of the watch. The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping.***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The present lot belongs to Cartier's famous Rotunde collection, described by the brand as 'showcasing the most advanced movements in Cartier Fine Watchmaking.  The watch is exquisitely finished with generous proportions. The dial is full of depth and texture, the polished chapter rings and numerals appearing almost to float above a bed of beautiful guilloché. The aesthetic is further lifted by the the cabochon sapphire-set crown and blued steel hands lifts the aesthetic further. The result is a wonderfully finished, modern, piece that is quintessentially Cartier.

This watch however should not be judged by its beauty alone.  Housed within is the incredibly innovative in-house calibre 9800 MC the crowning feature of which is the remarkable Astroregulateur. This complication, devised by Cartier's master watchmaker as an alternative to a standard tourbillon, alleviates the effects of gravity on the escapement by having it directly linked to the rotor that can be seen through the aperture to the dial. Allowing the escapement, and the subsidiary seconds dial to rotate with the rotor, which even more interestingly is forced to spin at a constant speed by a system of two differentials.