TRADITIONAL AND HISTORIC
Descended from the most ancient traditions of watchmaking, hand-wound mechanical movements were a revolution in technology when first introduced in the 13th century. Today, these movements are now as small as a coin and extremely accurate, to within just a few seconds a day.
The heart of a hand-wound mechanical movement comprises the balance, the spiral, the lever and the wheel.
The energy source is a spring which is wound manually. The spring naturally tries to uncoil, releasing the energy needed to activate the various wheels and make the movement tick. The balance and the spiral are the components that actually give rhythm to time.
Hand-wound mechanical watches are crafted from more than 100 small components painstakingly assembled by skilled watchmakers to create a movement no bigger than a coin, which is then placed inside the watchcase – an art in itself.
To keep perfect time, hand-wound mechanical watches must be rewound by turning the winding crown on the watchcase once a day. This action releases the energy necessary for it to function correctly for about 36 hours.
To wind a hand-wound mechanical watch, simply hold the watch in your hand and turn the winding crown on the case clockwise until you feel it block. This will indicate that the winding is now complete. Please note that winding a watch while wearing it may result in over-winding, which could cause the spring to break.
Mechanical watches are accurate to about 1 minute per week, approximately 5 minutes per month.
Mechanical movements are testaments to Cartier...
Mechanical movements are testaments to Cartier’s 160-year heritage of savoir-faire and exclusivity, a tradition of taking meticulous care of each detail at every stage of the watchmaking process. Cartier is committed to perpetuating this proud tradition so long as the Maison exists.
Although a hand-wound mechanical watch might seem a bother, owing to the daily winding required, seen in another light, that daily ritual of winding your cherished Cartier watch is a reminder of the important milestones and moments of your life.
A hand-wound watch fits perfectly into a refined lifestyle based on an appreciation for all things timeless. The treasured timepiece you wear on your wrist reminds you daily that time is precious. Winding, setting… simple gestures let you take control, as if it were you who decided when time stands still, when time moves on…
The Cartier Quality Assembling the countless...
The Cartier Quality
Assembling the countless minute components that go into a Cartier watch requires extreme precision, meticulousness and dexterity. The creativity of the design, as well as the quality and the assembly, is integral to Cartier's savoir faire.
To guarantee Cartier watches meet the traditional quality criteria set by the House of Cartier, rigorous tests are conducted at each stage of the creation and on every component: impact, angle acceleration, thermal shock, water resistance, durability, etc. The components undergo additional testing at every stage of assembly, with a final quality-control inspection of the finished watch before delivery.
24-month International Garantee Certificate
All watches purchased from Cartier Boutiques or authorised Cartier dealers come with the Cartier International Guarantee (the limited guarantee for US & Canada) and are guaranteed against any manufacturing defect for an unlimited period. Any piece which is defective due to a manufacturing defect confirmed by our technical services will be repaired or replaced free of charge by Cartier. However, 24 months following the date of purchase, you will be charged for the labour involved in any repair or replacement, whether the parts are covered by the guarantee or not.
In order to benefit from this guarantee, you must present the guarantee certificate, which can be found in the service booklet. This certificate must be duly filled out, dated, stamped and signed by a Cartier boutique or an authorised Cartier dealer.
Identification Number
Each Cartier watch carries an individual serial number which provides a record of its authenticity.
Swiss Made
Proudly bearing the prestigious “Swiss Made” label, all Cartier watches are painstakingly assembled at the Cartier facilities in Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland according to the strict guidelines of Swiss watchmaking.
The world standard “Swiss Made” label is recognised internationally and symbolises the time-honoured tradition, workmanship, expertise and inimitable quality of Swiss watchmaking.
Water Resistance
Certified Cartier water resistant watches are rendered waterproof by a series of seals. Their effectiveness may deteriorate due to natural ageing. Approved Cartier After-Sales Services are able to check the water resistance of your Cartier watch. The term Water Resistant is reserved for watches that have successfully undergone the 3-bar water pressure test. This test reproduces normal immersion conditions at a water depth of 30 metres.
Cartier's hallmark
Cartier creations in precious metals bear the Cartier maker’s mark, a hallmark of Cartier savoir-faire and your guarantee that Cartier stands behind their quality and workmanship. Historically, the first maker’s mark for Cartier was registered in 1846 by the company’s founder Louis-François Cartier (1819-1904). It depicted a lozenge inside which the letters L and C flanked a heart. Why a heart? No doubt to symbolise the fact that by choosing the profession of jeweller, one chooses to give from the heart. And heart rhymes with art, the three letters hidden inside the now legendary name: Cartier.