It uses double barrels (most automatic watches traditionally have one), and this gives it a highly constant chronometry throughout the duration of the watch's 48-hour power reserve. But it's particularly intricate and unique when compared to other automatic movements, and the technological standouts are numerous. There are two notable firsts for Cartier here: this is the first watch caliber in the company's history designed specifically for the men's 'sports' market, and it's the first equipped with an automatic mechanical movement crafted entirely in-house at its La Chaux-de-Fonds workshop in Switzerland.Ĭartier's 1904-PS MC mechanical movement is an automatic mechanism – the watch is wound by kinetic energy, and the swing of your arm as you walk is enough to keep it ticking. So I expected both mechanical perfection and a serious bling factor when I agreed to test the new Calibre de Cartier auto-winding watch, a $7,000 new release from the classic jeweler Cartier. But most of all, they are pure functionality taken to the extreme, precision time-keepers tuned to split-second accuracy. They are also an investment, a finely crafted piece of bejeweled artwork to pass along to future generations. To be honest, many people buy luxury watches – generally, any watch priced at over $1,000 – because they are status symbols, planted on your wrist for all to see.

A $20 drug store watch will do if all you want is the time, but luxury watches are about more than just counting hours and minutes.

Calibre de cartier automatic watch