Appreciating the Moon on the Wrist: A Review of the Rotonde de Cartier Day and Night Moon Phase Watch

      The Rotonde de Cartier watch luxuriously showcases two high-watchmaking complications on its dial: a retrograde moon phase indicator and a day/night display. From dawn to dusk, the sun and moon rise and set across the top of the dial from left to right. Below, a retrograde hand elegantly displays the phases of the moon. To magnificently highlight these two complications,Cartierit is specially equipped with a deep blue lacquered dial embellished with gold powder, while the moon phase motif is paved with diamonds and sapphires.

      Since 1912, the moon phase display has been a high-watchmaking complication that Cartier has mastered and takes great pride in. At that time, Cartier created table clocks known as “Comet” or “Planet”, presenting elegant and magnificent ways of displaying time through fine jewellery and high-watchmaking craftsmanship. Since then, Cartier has launched a succession of timepieces based on mathematical principles. Through the Rotonde de Cartier Day/Night Moon Phase watch, the firmament and the earth are closely linked through the art of time, reflecting Cartier's pioneering spirit in the constant exploration of horological aesthetics.

Rotonde de Cartier Day/Night Moon Phase watch

9912 MC movement
Case: 18K rhodium-finish white gold case
Diameter: 40 mm
Bezel: 18K rhodium-finish white gold bezel,
set with 68 brilliant-cut diamonds
Crown: beaded crown set with a diamond
Dial: 18K rhodium-finish white gold dial,
set with 118 brilliant-cut diamonds and 28 sapphires
Minute hand: rhodium-finish steel sword-shaped hand
Retrograde moon phase hand: rhodium-finish steel moon-shaped hand
Strap: dark blue alligator leather strap
Buckle: 18K white gold folding buckle, set with 43 diamonds
Crystal and case back: sapphire crystal crystal and case back
Case thickness: 12.16 mm
Water resistance: 3 bar (~30 metres)