Not sure if we should consider the Ronde Solo de Cartier an entry-level type of watch based on its pedigree, craftsmanship, design, and its in-house movement; however, based on its retail price it’s a very strong contender when it comes to watches priced under $4K. Available on a bracelet or leather strap, the Ronde Solo de Cartier comes in a wide variety of sizes including a 29 mm quartz model, and an automatic in 36 mm or 42 mm ref. W6701011 like the one we are reviewing. The design of the Ronde Solo de Cartier stems from the days of Louis Cartier and its rich DNA defined by oversized Roman numerals, blued sword-shaped hands, Chemin de fer minute track, and the iconic blue cabochon on its crown.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Cartier Ronde Solo de Cartier is available in stainless steel or 18K pink gold. Equipped with a generous 42 mm case the watch wears true to Its size and quite flat on the wrist considering its case profile at 8.53 mm in thickness. Featuring a slightly domed sapphire crystal, the watch appears slightly thicker than it is. While by no means this should be considered an ultra-slim watch, the lack of bezel on top of the case makes the watch look quite thin.
Fitted with a gorgeous silvered opaline dial with prominent and oversized black Arabic numerals, the watch offers excellent readability and contrast. Additionally, the watch features blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a central chemin de fer —railroad— minute track with a military time scale for the hours. The date aperture at 3 o’clock is subtle but easy to read thanks to its silver-colored date disk that blends in nicely with the dial.
Depending on lighting conditions and amount of glare on the sapphire crystal, the dial appears darker or lighter and the blued hands turn either almost black or lighter blue.
Fitted with a beaded crown set with a blue synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, the Cartier Ronde Solo de Cartier stays true to the DNA of the brand maintaining one of the signature elements that had made Cartier one of the most iconic watch brands out there. Featuring wolf-fang shaped lugs, the watch has a slight vintage air to it.
While the Ronde Solo de Cartier is also available on a strap with a folding clasp, the overall look of the watch appears more contemporary when equipped with a stainless steel bracelet. While going with the bracelet Ronde Solo de Cartier will set you back $250 USD when compared to the price of the strap version of this watch, we think it is totally worth it as adding a strap and buckle is cheaper than adding a bracelet to the leather strap model.
The bracelet features mirror-polished H-shaped links with satin-brushed finished center links. The bracelet —reminiscent of the bracelet on the vintage Pasha de Cartier watches— is very sturdy and is fitted with a well-hidden double-folding clasp that provides a seamless and sleek look when turning the wrist around.
Something else worth pointing out is that the bracelet comes with plenty of removable links, so even if you have a very small wrist under 6” in circumference, the watch can still be easily adjusted for a comfortable and snug fit. Perhaps the only downside to this watch is that its bracelet is not equipped with the new 'SmartLink' resizing system nor the 'QuickSwitch' interchangeability system that lets you go from bracelet to strap in seconds.
The Movement
Powering the Ronde Solo de Cartier is the automatic in-house calibre 1847 MC. This 23-jewel movement provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. Turning the watch over reveals a mirror-polished solid case back. The watch is resistant to 30 meters.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Cartier Ronde Solo de Cartier wears true to its size and very comfortably thanks to its thin profile. While the watch wears more modern on the stainless steel bracelet, we can wait to wear it on a leather strap for that ultimate classic vintage Cartier look. A watch that goes great with casual clothes and even better while wearing a tuxedo or a suit. A perfect watch for the price that is even cheaper than getting a Cartier Love bracelet for the holidays.
Sticker Price $3,850 USD on a bracelet and $3,600 USD on a strap. For more info on Cartier click here.
