Cartier Rotonde Mysterious Hours ref.3551 de 2018

The Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours is a masterful example of the Maison’s creative watchmaking. Its mechanism is based on the “mystery clock” concept that Cartier has developed since the early 20th century in its table clocks. The idea is to make the hour and minute hands appear to float in space without any visible connection to the movement.

To achieve this effect, the caliber uses transparent sapphire discs, each with microscopic teeth along the edge. These discs are secretly connected to the gear train of the movement. When the mechanism transmits energy, it does not move the hands directly but rather the crystal discs to which the hands are attached. Since the material is transparent, the optical illusion is perfect: the viewer only sees the hands suspended above the dial.

The hand-wound movement is composed of around 290 parts and 27 jewels, demonstrating its technical complexity. Its architecture is designed not only for precision but also to highlight the theatricality of the central void. In essence, this watch does more than tell time—it transforms it into a visual performance, merging invisible engineering with aesthetic poetry.

Brand: Cartier
Model: Mysterious Hours
Year of Manufacture: 2018
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 42mm
Crystal Material: Sapphire Crystal
Reference Number: 3551
Movement Type: Automatic
Bracelet: Cartier strap with original buckle
Box and Papers: Watch only
Mechanical Warranty: 6 months

Remarks: In excellent mechanical and aesthetic condition.