We’ve already taken a look at two Chopard jewellery pieces that we’ve been especially taken with over the course of the last few weeks, and now we thought we’d bring you a pair of Cartier timepieces by way of contrast. The workmanship of this royally endorsed Parisian brand name is always a pleasure to examine, and we’ve chosen a ladies’ watch from the Cartier Tank Francaise range and a complementary gent’s example from the striking Santos de Cartier family to display this fact to you in a little more detail:
Cartier Tank Francaise Small Watch
The Cartier Tank range has been established within Cartier’s esteemed portfolio for almost time out of mind, and the Tank Francaise is merely one face of this globally respected assemblage of timepieces. Revolutionising the appearance of the Tank wristwatch by introducing a chain-link bracelet to the iconic angular dial, the release of the Tank Francaise heralded a new age in the history of the Tank watch, yet this sleek and modern piece of design nevertheless manages to retain all of the prestige commanded by its forefathers.
As is befitting of a ladies’ watch, this Tank Francaise exudes class from every angle of its trim 25mm casing, and the delightful two-tone detailing of the bracelet and crown conveys a real sense of bold splendour and exclusivity. Cartier’s signature cobalt hands and cabochon cut crown spinel are both present to lend an additional spot colour to the overall theme, and the watch is also ideally engineered for its target audience. Seldom do ladies’ wish to be burdened with a mechanical movement – where the accuracy of the timekeeping can fluctuate if it is not worn or manually wound – and so the consistency of a high performance quartz movement is simply perfect for such desires.
This Cartier Tank Francaise Small Watch is in stock at Banks Lyon for £4,600, but is also accessible on 0% finance for 36 monthly instalments of £102.22 and a 20% deposit. Graceful and feminine, few gifts would be more fitting for the lady who means the world to you.
Cartier Santos Galbee XL Automatic Watch
We’ve not spoken much about the Santos de Cartier collection here on our blog before, yet this fine name actually dates all the way back to Cartier’s very first horological exploits. It was a request from aviation legend Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904 that actually gave birth to Louis Cartier’s pioneering wristwatch, and ever since this very first tentative venture into the watchmaking world Cartier has gone from strength to strength. A range based upon Dumont’s very special watch was introduced in the early 20th century, and then the collection celebrated its 100th birthday with a plethora of further refinements in later years.
It was the combination of a geometric design and distinct rounded corners that really set the Santos-Dumont watch apart, and this iconic form is still just as fresh within the aesthetics of our chosen wristwatch. The case is subtly curved and is studded with 18 carat yellow gold screws to match the decorative bezel, and is a sublime melding of modest style and elegance; instantly noticeable without ever becoming brash or unseemly. This watch is also well equipped on an internal basis too, with an automatic Cartier calibre 049 movement to ensure peak performance.
Alberto Santos-Dumont originally required a timepiece of Cartier to replace his impractical pocket watch during flight, and, judging from the breathtaking results that have come from this simple request, we should be extremely glad that he did so. This Cartier Santos Galbee XL Automatic Watch retails at £6,000 from Banks Lyon, but can be yours for 36 monthly payments of £133.33 along with a 20% deposit. Other 0% finance options are also available if you prefer, so don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01524 38 48 58 or emailing us on [email protected] if you’d like more information about our Cartier watches.
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