Cartier  Drive de Cartier  Watches

Drive de Cartier: A Gentleman’s Timepiece

The Drive de Cartier became an iconic watch collection due to its elegant look. Its classy appearance is made possible by a combination of classic Roman numerals, domed crystal, and cushion-shaped case, all distinct signatures of the French luxury brand Cartier. In fact, its stylish look goes with any apparel from formal attire to casual clothing. Additionally, behind these watches is the in-house caliber Cartier Manufacture Movement 1904 MC, boasting precise timekeeping. Designed exclusively for men, these watches are adored by anyone from any industry including celebrities, athletes, and chefs.

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Drive de Cartier Watches

How much does a Drive de Cartier watch cost?

Altogether, Drive de Cartier watches approximately cost from $5,850 USD to $72,000 USD. And within this massive price range, you have a huge variety of models to choose from.

Prices for the Hand-wound Drive de Cartier Watches

Let’s start with the classic design from the French brand. The timeless Drive de Cartier mechanical hand-wound watches sport a plain but sophisticated look. The Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0011 for example, features the collection’s trademark cushion-shaped stainless steel case along with crystal sapphire and 30m water resistance. Within the dress watch is a sleek, silver dial, blue sword-shaped hands, and Roman numeral hour indexes. Its blue alligator leather also adds even more elegance. Sometimes called “Drive de Cartier Extra-flat Watches”, these timepieces retail at approximately $5,850 USD.

Prices for the Automatic Drive de Cartier Watches

Meanwhile, the mechanical automatic watches from Drive de Cartier are slightly costlier. For example, a brand new Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0004 costs $7,069 USD. But how is it different? Well, aside from being slightly bigger at 40mm, this model also has more added modifications. These features include a small date window at the 3 o’clock position and small seconds sub dial at 6 o’clock. The automatic watch is also powered by the in-house caliber Cartier Calibre 1904-PS MC, which can be seen through its transparent back case. Other than these modifications, some characteristics of its manual counterparts such as materials used and dial design are retained.

Prices for the Drive de Cartier Moonphase Watches

If you want a timepiece that shows both elegance and creativity, then the Drive de Cartier Moonphase is a great pick. The prices of these models may range from $8,200 USD to $18,600 USD, depending on the materials used. For instance, a 40mm self-winding Drive de Cartier Moonphase Ref. WSNM0008 sports a stainless steel case and alligator leather strap. This luxury model also has Roman Numeral hour indicators, blue sword-shaped hands, and a 30m water resistance. Within the dial is a moon phase display on the 6 o’clock position which gives the series its name. Behind the transparent back case is the intricate in-house caliber Cartier Calibre 1904-LU MC which powers the timepiece.

Prices for the Drive de Cartier Tourbillon Watches

The automatic Drive de Cartier Flying Tourbillon with the lavish price of $72,000 USD has sophistication with a machine-like touch. This is made possible through the added flying tourbillon feature located on the 6 o’clock position. But this modification is not just for looks. The tourbillon works as a small seconds sub dial where the C-shaped tourbillon carriage indicates the elapsed time. Made of refined materials like 18K rose gold and leather, this watch’s dial is also exceptional. A combination of layered and guilloché techniques were used to give the white dial its three dimensional  appearance. 

Prices for the Drive de Cartier Date Retrograde Time Zone Day and Night Watches

Lastly, the Drive de Cartier Date Retrograde Second Time Zone Day and Night Indicator watch is the perfect display of elegance and functionality. Just like in the Flying Tourbillon model, these self-winding models also incorporate the flinqué pattern all across their dials. The Drive de Cartier Ref. WGNM0005 gold watch has four added features, more than any other models in this series. They include a retrograde second time zone display at the 10 o’clock position and an AM/PM indicator at half past 3 o’clock. The model also has modifications seen in the Drive de Cartier mechanical automatic watches such as a date window on the 12 o’clock position and small seconds at 6. And with a retail price of $19,800 USD, this timepiece also sports a 18K pink gold case, sapphire crystal, and leather strap.

Drive de Cartier — Is it a good investment? 

Drive de Cartier watches are popular due to their magnificent appearance. Whether you’re going for the classic mechanical hand-wound or the machine-like Flying Tourbillon timepieces, these watches won’t fail to add sophistication to your wardrobe.

Aside from their alluring look, these watches are also capable in terms of functionality. The Drive de Cartier Date/Retrograde Second Time Zone models in particular, feature a multi-functional dial that is definitely useful for travelers. And generally, all the watches under the Drive de Cartier are powered by in-house Cartier calibers. These give the watches precise and accurate timekeeping, with some of these models even having a 50-hour power reserve. With the combination of elegance and capability, Drive de Cartier timepieces are absolutely worth your money.

Drive de Cartier’s History and Design Details

The Drive de Cartier was first introduced in 2016, and it immediately gathered huge attention from everyone. Its huge following was mainly due to the collection’s updated design. Instead of using the same circular design as Clé de Cartier or rectangular look like in Cartier Tank, the Drive de Cartier opted to have cushion-shaped cases. This gave the collection its unique style without the need to borrow too many details from its predecessors.

The trademark watches from this collection sport refined features such as curved cases, sapphire dials, and domed crystals. Eventually, models with added modifications such as date windows, small seconds, time zone displays, and many more were manufactured. Because of their unique look and extra features, Drive de Cartier watches have become one of the most popular men’s timepieces today.

Reasons to Buy a Drive de Cartier Watch

1. Timeless Design and Functionality

With the use of sword-shaped hands and Roman numeral hour indicators, the composition of the Drive de Cartier watches for men will never get old. The added modifications of other models also go well with the lasting layout while giving them more capabilities.

2. Classy and Unique Appearance

Since the shiny cushion-shaped cases are made with either stainless steel or 18K gold, the Drive de Cartier watches have a regal vibe. The fancy looks of these exclusive timepieces will definitely catch people’s attention.

3. Goes with Any Clothing

Whether you’re going to a formal affair or casual gathering, you can always rock a Drive de Cartier watch. Feel free to wear these timepieces with your favorite three-piece suit or shirt and jeans. Their alluring and captivating appearance will definitely improve your apparel.

Famous patrons of the Drive de Cartier Watches

Chris Paul

Also known for his nickname “CP3”, American basketball player Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the NBA. His achievements in basketball include winning two Olympic gold medals and playing for the All-NBA team eight times. Outside the court, CP3 is an avid fan of Drive de Cartier watches.

Chang Chen

Taiwanese actor Chang Chen is known for his roles in A Brighter Summer Day, Brotherhood of Blades, The Soul, and many more. His natural passion for acting made him one of Drive de Cartier’s main ambassadors. 

Dominique Ansel

Foodies, chefs, and home cooks will probably recognize French-American pastry chef Dominique Ansel due to the cronut - a pastry dish he created. In fact, this recipe has won him the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2014. When he’s not creating delicious pastries, Chef Ansel is known to sport Drive de Cartier watches.

Drive de Cartier: The Sophisticated Watch for Men

With their timeless designs, classy looks, and reliable functionality, the Drive de Cartier watches are the perfect fashionable timepieces for men. These watches are designed to complement any apparel from formal wear to casual clothing. So, if you want to give yourself or a special gentleman a great timepiece, then the Drive de Cartier is your best pick.