Pre-SIHH 2013: Cartier Explores Age Old Goldsmith Technique

The Salon International of Haute Horlogerie 2013 will see Cartier present the Rotonde de Cartier 42mm watch Panther with granulation, its reinterpretation of an ancient artistic technique that dates back to the first half of the 3rd millennium B.C. and reached its peak during the first millennium in Etruria with objects in “Etruscan granulation.”

Small balls are created from threads of gold that are cut, heated over a flame, and then assembled one by one, fused with the gold plate in order to create the relief motif. A stunning panther emerges from this bed of gold granules.

The 18-carat, yellow gold watch bezel is set with 306 brilliant-cut diamonds. Sales will be limited to 20 pieces.