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The Cartier Libre Collection

The Cartier Libre Collection

Inspired by the spectacular rock-crystal and diamond bracelet created in the 1930s and worn by actress Gloria Swanson

March 30th, 2022
 
For Cartier, time provides the opportunity to explore new territories and to continuously reinvent the Maison’s stylistic codes.

 
Each year, the Cartier Libre collection adds a unique watch, crafted with full creative freedom, to its repertoire. Inspired by the spectacular rock-crystal and diamond bracelet created in the 1930s and worn by actress Gloria Swanson, this jewellery watch embodies Cartier’s creative freedom.

 
  • Entirely reversible, it can be turned over thanks to a flexible elasticated strap: on the front, it is a watch, and on the back, it is a bracelet.
  • The exquisite craftsmanship and character of this hybrid jewel/watch creation consists of a series of triangular links with triangular motifs running through it. This continuously repeating sequence of forms allows the colours to infinitely diffract light.
 

A design true
to Cartier’s signature style
 

 
 

This watch embodies Cartier’s signature style in that it transforms and can be worn in two ways. Through this modularity, Cartier removes the barriers between watches and jewellery—the jewellery becomes a watch and vice versa. The design required the watchmakers to find new solutions; to allow the case to twist around a specially developed spring and additionally integrate the redesigned time-setting system at the side, to avoid distorting the triangular effect of the watch.

 

Innovative triangular setting
 

 
 

In terms of jewellery craftsmanship, the geometric approach to the motif is further emphasised by the new triangular setting developed by the Maison. This allows the diamonds to be directly integrated into the case without using the traditional grain setting. By virtue of this, the metal disappears and the beauty of the stones is accentuated.

 

The collection
 

 
 

A limited-edition piece, this fourth opus from the Cartier Libre collection is available in three versions based around Cartier’s iconic colour palette. One in black and white, with spinels and diamonds; one in contrasting colours, with rose gold, black spinels, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds; and finally, one with garnets, black spinels, moonstones and diamonds.

 

Cartier Libre
 

Rose gold  
 

 
Case: Rose gold 750/1000
Dimensions: 99/96 x 85.05 mm
Thickness: 20.32 mm
Case and bracelet set with 759 brilliant-cut diamonds (13.28 cts), 58 sapphires, 87 black spinels, 54 chrysoprases and 54 red coral stones
Quartz movement

Cartier Libre
 

White gold  
 

 
Case: Or gris rhodié 750/1000
Dimensions: 100.53 x 85.55 mm
Thickness: 20.32 mm
Case and bracelet set with 479 brilliant-cut diamonds (8.23 cts) and 56 black spinels
Quartz movement

Cartier Libre
 

Rose gold  
 

 
Case: Rose gold 750/1000
Dimensions: 99.96 x 84.75 mm
Thickness: 20.32 mm
Case and bracelet set with 418 brilliant-cut diamonds (5.66 cts), 54 grey moonstones, 81 black spinels and 81 red garnets
Quartz movement
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