Watches And Wonders 2022: Cartier- Is The Masse Mystérieuse Timepiece A Floating Mystery?

Do we have any watch enthusiasts looking for a fascinating oscillating movement? Cartier's extensive new introductions at Watches & Wonders 2022 include fresh interpretations of classic Cartier designs, such as the Tank Chinoise and lacquered Santos-Dumont. But its most remarkable innovation stands out among Maison's modern timepieces- The Masse Mystérieuse.

Well, Cartier’s newly launched Masse Mystérieuse is sure to create a stir!

Cartier Masse Mystérieuse

The Most Intriguing Watch

With watch designs that stand the test of time, such as the Pasha de Cartier's geometric grid, or designs that distort time, opening up new creative areas, such as the Coussin de Cartier's supple, paved casing, time is what you make of it.

It is constantly changing and suspended within its case's transparency. It can also create moments that exist outside of time, such as the iconic panther seated atop a sequence of fresh valuable creations.

A watch that took 8 years to create.

The watch's intricate gears harken back to an older period of Cartier watchmaking. Cartier claims that the Masse Mystérieuse took eight years to create, although it doesn't say who came up with the concept. It took five different constructions before a prototype could be released, and two more prototypes were required to develop the calibre's final version.

The Masse Mystérieuse is a new Cartier Fine Watchmaking mystery. A stunning timepiece that spins to the beat of a unique Fine Watchmaking Manufacture movement. What exactly is the mystery?

A Mystery?

The history of the Maison is filled with mystery clocks. Their hands appear to float above the glass body of the clock, with no connection to the movement, hence the word "mystery." Its beating heart was converted into a skeletonised oscillating weight by the magic of a mobile calibre reduced into a semicircle.

A skeletonised oscillating weight in the magic of a mobile calibre

The rotor that winds the automated 9801 MC movement – which is itself contained within the rotor – is located just beneath the hands. The mainspring is wound as the rotor oscillates, and the hands are held in place by a differential gear.

A technical feat that comes to life with the wearer's slightest touch and shows the time in perfect sync with the rhythm of the hands in the void. The enigmatic rotor on this piece, the most technological and complex item ever made by the Manufacture's watchmakers, uses an ingenious mechanism to ensure the balance wheel stays in the same vertical position at all times. The rotor rotates at an uneven speed in both directions in order for this to happen. Despite its small mainspring and compact movement, the 9801 MC has a reasonable 42-hour power reserve.

9801 MC movement

The Masse Mystérieuse, like many of Cartier's previous difficult watches, is a large timepiece. The platinum case has a diameter of 43.5 mm and a height of 12.64 mm, giving it the appearance of a chronograph.

Two Maison Signatures

The Masse Mystérieuse watch combines two of the Maison's watchmaking hallmarks: a mysterious movement and a skeleton dial. Everything is integrated with style and elegance, even down to the technology. The clockwork has not only been miniaturised to fit watch casings since the mystery clocks first emerged in the 1910s but it has also been redesigned to make the oscillating weight a real adornment for this new creation.

Well, looks like this watch is going to bag the award for the most intriguing watch launched at Watches & Wonders 2022! What do you think?