The 1904-CH MC is manufactured so the chronograph’s central elapsed-seconds hand may also be used as a running seconds hand. The two barrels maintain a continuous level of drive torque of the winding status of their mainsprings independently, which ensures rate precision and stability. Our rate measurements show that the nice rate proceeds when the chronograph is operating. The results stay pretty much identical following the watch has been permitted to run every day and night without additional winding. If the Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph regularly is worn, it will have fully wound mainsprings usually. The rotor, which turns in a durable ceramic ball bearing smoothly, winds the motion in both its directions of rotation. Bidirectional winding is achieved using an alternator with a forward thinking pawl-click system, which accelerates the winding velocity.

The stopwatch function is managed with a column wheel with vertical coupling. You will see the column wheel by peering through the sapphire windows in the caseback and then looking even deeper into the movement via an aperture in the top bridge. The chronograph’s functions are brought on using two elongated push-pieces. Their large size makes the stopwatch easy to use and the column steering wheel ensures that all switching sequences run efficiently.

The zero-return function is blocked as the chronograph is running. Cartier achieved this by setting up a linear center lever within the motion. The lever ensures the simultaneous come back of most elapsed-time hands with their zero positions independently of the pressure exerted on the push-piece. The vertical coupling means that the chronograph begins and stops exactly. But regardless of the high technology, Cartier hasn’t overlooked aesthetic finesse. In addition to Geneva satin and waves completing, round graining embellishes the concealed sides of varied components even. The fine modification system for the balance can be an eye-catcher, too: the C-shaped regulator with eccentric screw not only facilitates ultra-precise establishing; it underscores the brand’s identity also.

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph – back
Roman numerals on the dial and “Cartier” in personal type above the two subdials emphasize the brand’s identification, too. (It’s rather challenging to neatly print the brand’s name on the silver-plated and guilloché-embellished brass history.) A sunray design adorns the primary dial, while concentric circles decorate the subdials. The full minutes are counted along a railway-style circle using Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals; the full hours are proven by Roman numerals and index strokes.

This info contrast with the satin-finished flange round the dial’s perimeter, where elapsed mere seconds are marked based on the 4-Hz rhythm of the caliber. Mere seconds are displayed by a thin, needle-like hand, which complements both Breguet-style minutes and hour hands. The total result is a harmonious group of blued stainless-steel hands, which are readable by day. The blued hands match the directed blue spinel cabochon atop the winding crown, another quality of Cartier pieces. The crown is simple to grasp because of its form and the beading around its advantage. Both features improve the sporty-elegance of the entire case. The top push-pieces and screw-fastened strap lugs look sporty, while elegance sometimes appears in the conical lines of the center area of the full case, which tapers toward the relative back, where in fact the sapphire windows is affixed via screws. The entire case is water-resistant, but only to 30 meters unfortunately.

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph – front
The watch has a high-quality leather strap that inserts without halts from both sides into a folding clasp that pivots using one part only. Allowing the wearer customize the fit of the strap, that includes a certain lightness and it is comfortable to wear. It requires a little of pressure to open up the clasp, which responds to a solid tug on its bow, which is formed like the “C” in the “Cartier” name.