192 Cartier Outstanding, Special Order, Number 1, Astroregulateur, Automatic Wristwatch, in Niobium-titanium, With Calibrated Sapphires Bezel, Reference 3388b

Estimate: € 120,000 –⁠ 240,000

Model: Astroregulateur
Reference: 3388B
Case Material: Niobium-Titanium
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 2012
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 9800MC
Case N°: N° 1
Movement N°: N° 25
Dimensions: 50 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Cartier and the female world are an indissoluble pair in the field of jewelry, but also in the watchmaking sector the Parisian brand has created absolutely iconic pieces. The lot offered here is very particular and starting from the movement, the automatic cal. 9800MC with 43 jewels, the crowning feature of which is the remarkable Astroregulateur, invented by Cartier’s watchmaking masters as an alternative to a standard tourbillon, alleviates the effects of gravity on the escapement by having it directly linked to the rotor allowing the escapement and the subsidiary second indication to rotate freely within the aperture to the dial. In fact, the dial is uncommon and attractive, with its white pierced dial with gray engine-turned background, blue Roman numbers, blue baton indexes and the previous mentioned aperture for the astroregulateur indicating constant seconds. Moreover the case is a special production made for the first piece of this model, totally made in niobium-titanium the peculiarity that distinguishes this piece from the following 49 is the presence of the sapphire bezel that matches perfectly with the usual sapphire-set on the crown, and completed by the sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screws. With an 18k white-gold Cartier deployant clasp this watch is a true gem made by the mason Cartier in 2012, and it is ready to be owned and put in an important collection.