The Movement designer

Designing a Cartier Fine Watchmaking movement is a long, complex and rigorous process that requires a combination of manual skills and advanced technology. Everything starts with an idea loosely sketched by the designers. Freehand drawings show the basis of an inventive mechanism, with all the finishes already faintly indicated.

These flat drawings of the principal features are preparation for the 3D design of each piece that will allow the watchmakers to validate its feasibility. This is also a preliminary stage in producing an over-size model used for checking the functionality of the movement.

Then real prototypes are produced and tested before being approved. It is a demanding and involved process in which each movement in the Cartier Fine Watchmaking Collection follows the protocol of excellence.