Calibre de Cartier chronograph movement 1904-CH MC presented

I personally like the new Calibre de Cartier chronograph. Even more than the automatic version from last year this new Calibre 1904-CH reflects masculinity and strength when worn on the wrist. I would very much appreciate if Cartier would offer the chronograph with a black rubber strap. In my opinion rubber would just fit best. A good mixture of sportiness and elegance and a rubber strap would make the chronograph lighter to wear – less bulky in the end … Many good reasons to think about it …

From sport to elegance…

Armed with the first Manufacture self-winding chronograph movement created by Cartier, the Calibre de Cartier chronograph watch inaugurates a collection of eight models on leather straps and metal bracelets, from the all-steel version to the version in gem-set white gold. They are sporty versions that toughen the Calibre de Cartier watch’s provocative spirit and encourage the wearer to excel. It is a watch with strong design codes: two counters, at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock,
a graduated rail-track in the fluted bezel, positioned in pride of place on the dial, and above the counters, an oversize XII numeral.

An in-house movement powers the new Calibre chronograph…

The 1904-CH MC is a concentrated combination of ingenious systems that guide and coordinate the chronograph functions. The column wheel, the real nerve centre of the movement, precisely and accurately coordinates the three functions of the chronograph (start / stop / return to zero).
This system, characteristic of finely crafted chronographs, is visible on the back thanks to the openwork of the upper bridge. Furthermore, to ensure the high precision of the chronograph functions, the calibre 1904-CH MC is fitted with a vertical coupling that allows the traditional jumps of
the seconds hand to be eliminated during the start and stop phases.

This coupling system also means that the energy consumption of the chronograph is minimised while it is functioning without altering the timepiece’s power reserve or chronograph stability. The simultaneous return-to-zero of all the chronograph functions is a delicate, complex step requiring perfect coordination. Cartier has chosen to integrate a linear return-to-zero hammer into the calibre 1904-CH MC in order to guarantee the instant, simultaneous and precise return of all the chronograph hands, whatever the force exerted on the push-piece.

This new 11 1/2-line calibre is designed to ensure perfect chronometric stability, however much the watch has been wound. The movement is equipped with two barrels that guarantee the perfect constancy of the mainspring torque over a long duration and allow the chronometric precision to be mastered and stabilised. The calibre 1904-CH MC is fitted with a precise setting system, guaranteeing the movement’s perfect timekeeping.

The Cartier master watchmakers who meticulously adjust the C-shaped index pointer carry out this operation. The movement’s self-winding system is regularly subjected to strong pressure that could affect its ability to function correctly. In order to compensate for this weakness, the calibre 1904-CH MC is fitted with a ceramic ball-bearing system situated at the centre of the rotor, which ensures extreme durability. Cartier has also cast aside the traditional reversers present in self-winding mechanisms in favour of the even more innovative click system. It allows the watch’s winding comfort to be optimised thanks to its increased winding speed. Finally, thanks to a two-directional winding system, the oscillating weight automatically winds the movement, whatever the direction of its rotation.

Case: steel
 or 18-carat pink gold

Diameter: 42 mm

Crown: seven-sided crown in steel adorned with
a faceted blue synthetic spinel

Crystal: sapphire

Case back: sapphire

Water-resistance: 100 m / 330 feet / 10 bars

Dial: silvered opaline dial, snailed in part, stamped on the XII numeral, the hour markers and aperture, Roman numerals and black transferred hour markers. Two snailed counters (hour/minute) with diamond-set bevel

Bezel: steel with engraved rail-track
or or gold with engraved rail-track

Hands: sword-shaped in black oxidised steel with a luminescent coating

Strap: steel or  dark-brown semi-matt alligator skin

Clasp: steel safety clasp or double adjustable folding clasp in 18-carat pink gold

Movement: Manufacture self-winding mechanical chronograph calibre 1904-CH, calendar window at 6 o’clock

 Casing-up diameter: 11 1⁄2 lines, 25.58 mm

Total diameter: 26.18 mm

Thickness: 5.71 mm

Number of jewels: 35

Number of parts: 269

Balance: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4Hz)

Power reserve: 48 hours

Finish: côtes de Genève