Surprisingly, the finish doesn’t go much further than a Côtes de Genève pattern on the rotor and bridgework, so considering it’s on display through the rear sapphire window, one might have hoped for a little more distinction. It also functions and winds smoother than almost any other chronograph out there. The 1904-CH MC operates with a column wheel design, is highly efficient, durable and implements some innovative technology. In fact, it’s probably fair to say the movement is now the strong point of the design. This is not to say they weren’t up to scratch, rather more they were typically modifications of well-respected ETAs, while others were quartz, and as such did not earn the acclaim of traditional the watchmakers. However, movements in these watches were of secondary concern. Watches such as the Tank and Santos are two of the most cherished ever made. Until 2008, Cartier was known for dreaming up high-class dress watches with distinctive designs. This initiative, headed up by Carole Forestier, one of the top watchmakers currently on the circuit, has enough resources and talent to potentially change the shape of the industry, and so far it has been doing just that. 3578 chronograph forms part of the wider Calibre de Cartier family, Cartier’s new wave of watchmaking brought about after they established their Fine Watchmaking division in 2008. Naturally, this came as intriguing news to the watch community, but how does their new design fair against such distinguished opposition? After more than a century producing some of the most cherished pieces in watchmaking, in 2013, Cartier announced the arrival of its first serious chronograph, finally playing a hand in the lucrative sports-luxe chronograph market, alongside the likes of the Rolex Daytona, IWC Portuguese and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Cartier calibre de cartier chronographe