Later this month, Cartier will unveil a skeletonized version of their Astrotourbillon. This new iteration uses caliber MC 9461 which is an open-worked version of the original caliber MC 9451 that took Cariter 5 years to develop. The Astorbuillon features a tourbillon cage that circles the dial once every 60-seconds. Ingeniously, the balance bridge which is shaped like an arrow, points to the chapter ring as it rotates to indicate seconds.

The case is 47 mm in diameter, like the original Astrotourbillon, but overall the aesthetic is completely different now that the dial has been removed. All that is holding the movement in place is three supports from the main plate, two of which are in the shaped as Roman numerals to mark 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively. The result, is a perfect view of the movement, and the tourbillon, as it appears to float around the dial, all while the balance wheel, spring and escapement are oscillating within the tourbillon cage.

The Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton will be officially unveiled at SIHH 2015 and will be available in a limited of 100 pieces in white gold, 20 pieces in platinum with diamond bezel and case, and 5 pieces in platinum with a diamond studded bracelet.