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Cartier is known for its beautiful designs when it comes to watches, and the new Tressage is no different, combining watchmaking with sculptural jewellery.

When it comes to sculptural and shaped watches, perhaps none better do this than Cartier. The Maison has been playing with and creating unique shapes for their pieces for over 100 years, and when you combine their jewellery know-how with watchmaking craftsmanship, then the result will always be something of beauty. Cartier’s new Tressage Watch collection is emblematic of this, with a suite of new timepieces that take time telling to a new level of artistic creativity.

Across four new models, the Tressage Watch is a bold statement on the wrist, ranging from classic black leather and 18k yellow gold, gold and diamonds, full diamonds and to a striking and even more eye-catching diamond and sapphire set piece. Each piece follows the same lines and form as the other, but Cartier being Cartier has given people options based on what appeals to them most.

The first model is a classic shiny black calfskin leather strap with yellow gold gadroons cascading down the sides of the watch. The dial is black lacquer with a yellow gold case and hands, with a matching ardillon buckle. This piece to me is illustrative of the classic Cartier jewellery watch you can dress up or down based on the occasion.

The next is a piece for those who want to add a little more extravagance to their life combining the 18k Yellow Gold with white gold and the gadroons alternatively set with brilliant-cut diamonds. 466 diamonds in fact totalling 6.3 carats. The dial is then snow-set with another 156 brilliant-cut diamonds that ties the look of the piece together and to complement the lighter aesthetic, a shiny beige calfskin strap and alternate second strap in soft black calfskin.

The last two pieces are full gem-set pieces – one with all diamonds on the gadroons and dial, the other splices a gradient of sapphires amongst the diamonds to give it a more subtle yet colourful effect. Both these watches have a blue calfskin strap in both shiny and soft look so you can choose what you like should you feel a little more or less dressy. The full diamond set piece is set with 916 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 12.2 carats on the case and ardillon buckle and the white gold dial is set with 156 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.6 ct). The second of the two has the case and buckle set with 570 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total of 5.7 carats and intertwined in these there are 330 sapphires for a total of 5.9 carats spiralling down the gadroons. Again, this piece features a dial with 156 brilliant-cut diamonds snow-set on the dial.

Initial Thoughts

Ok, so these pieces may not be for me, but having spent time at Cartier in La Chaux-de-Fonds and also exploring the Maison des Metiers D’Art where they do much of the high watchmaking and artisanal crafts, I can very much appreciate these pieces for what they are. It is about taking something functional, like a watch, and turning it into something much, much more. These are in a sense of the word, wearable art, and a testament to the painstaking craft that is setting these pieces the way Cartier does.

References & Specifications

Tressage – 18k Yellow Gold

Tressage – 18k Yellow & White Gold with Diamonds

Tressage – White Gold with Diamonds

Tressage – White Gold with Diamonds & Sapphires

Australian Recommended Retail Price: POA

Availability: See your local Cartier Boutique or online at Cartier.com.au