Two months ahead of the SIHH 2018 —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie—, Cartier presents the new Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon with the tourbillon appearing to be suspended in mid-air with no connection to the rest of the movement —a clever optical illusion created by Cartier. Additionally, a double flying tourbillon completes a rotation in 60 seconds, while the tourbillon cage performs a second rotation in which each round takes 5 minutes. This balancing act is all the more formidable in view of the finely constructed case and painstaking craftsmanship.

Cased in a 45 mm platinum case, all of the components are hand-finished including the movement bridges being chamfered, flanks drawn and screw heads polished. For this SIHH 2018, the addition of skeletonized bridges in the shape of Roman numerals enhances the lightness and power of the watch. The magic of the mysterious is encased in the transparency of the skeleton. The curves of the watch and mysterious movement are complemented by the stark geometric openwork architecture of the skeletonized bridges.

Delivered on a dark blue alligator strap with 18K white gold folding clasp, the watch is powered by the manual wound in-house calibre 9465 MC composed of 286 parts and 26 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound. The Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon is available in a limited edition of only 30 pieces and is also available in platinum with bezel pavéed with baguette-cut diamonds.

Sticker Price $216,000 USD and $530,000 USD for the one with baguette-cut diamonds. For more info on Cartier click here.