Introduction
In this series of articles, we’ll take a look at watch pairs. We’ve selected an elegant dress watch and a sports watch for each pairing: Two watches that complement each other and offer their wearer an appropriate watch for any occasion.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon & Cartier Drive de Cartier
A sport watch and a dress watch: Two power houses that belong to two different power groups. Omega and Cartier are two brands that differ quite a bit from one another, no matter which model you pick. However, what makes them similar is their importance within their respective groups: Omega for Swatch Group and Cartier for the Richemont Group. It is believed that each of these brands is responsible for the highest turnover within their groups.
From Omega, we selected the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, which was introduced in 2013 and became an instant success. From Cartier, we selected the Drive de Cartier, which was only introduced last January at the SIHH 2016 and is currently being delivered to boutiques and retailers.
The Speedmaster DSotM retails for approximately 10,000 euros, and the Drive de Cartier, for approximately 6,000 euros. The sporty Omega chronograph has a long history and is heavily influenced by the famous ‘Moonwatch,’ while the Drive de Cartier is a new dress watch with a 40-mm cushion-shaped case. Both watches feature an in-house developed movement. Omega’s Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon has a column-wheel Co-Axial chronograph caliber 9300 inside, and the Drive de Cartier uses the 1904-PS MC movement.
These are two totally different watches, but they complement each other pretty well if you are looking for both a dedicated sports watch and a dress watch.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
Some years ago, Omega decided it was time for a different direction and started developing their own movements again. This resulted in caliber 8500 for three-hand watches and caliber 9300 for chronographs. In the meantime, there have been a couple of variations on that movement. In 2013, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon became their very first watch to be made of a single block of ceramic. Furthermore, it features a ceramic dial. In the years following, Omega released a couple of Dark Side of the Moon variations (Grey Side, White Side, and a couple of Dark Side editions). The interesting part is that this watch is as much praised by purists that would normally only go for the Moonwatch models (Speedmaster Professional), as it is by those who prefer modern timepieces.
Omega’s Speedmaster Dark Side measures 44.25 mm in diameter. The shape of the case is similar to its 42-mm hand-wound cousin. The case back consists of domed sapphire crystal similar to the front crystal. It makes the watch look thinner than it actually is, but still very wearable. The movement, with its Geneva waves in arabesque decoration, is one to admire. The column-wheel ensures great action on the pushers. The silicon balance-spring and Co-Axial escapement entitles this watch to a 4-year warranty by Omega. Two barrels ensure 60 hours of power reserve, making this a great everyday watch.
Cartier Drive de Cartier
If you have a formal meeting or dinner to attend, perhaps that big black sports chronograph on its soft strap isn’t the perfect choice. Enter Cartier Drive de Cartier, a sophisticated, yet masculine watch with a stainless steel 40-mm cushion-shaped case and guilloche dial. These qualities set this Cartier apart from the usual suspects. Even though the Drive de Cartier is a new watch that hasn’t even been delivered to all retailers and boutiques yet, you will immediately recognize the watch as a Cartier. Roman numerals, small seconds, and beautiful blued hands make this Drive de Cartier a stylish dress watch. Combined with an alligator strap and folding clasp, it pairs perfectly with business or formal attire.
The case back with sapphire crystal shows the caliber 1904-PS MC movement. 1904 stands for the introduction year of Cartier’s first real wristwatch, the Santos, and PS stands for small seconds. This was Cartier’s first automatic ‘in-house’ developed caliber.
The Drive de Cartier is an exciting watch that comes in a couple of versions with complications. One features a second time zone indicator and another features a flying tourbillon. Of course, these have different price tags, but if you are fond of the Drive de Cartier design, they might be worth checking out. However, we like to keep it simple when it comes to dress watches – three-hands, or sometimes only two. The Drive de Cartier three-hand model does have a date aperture at 3 o’clock, something the watch could have done without.
Opposites
These are two watches that are suitable for very different activities and occasions. However, they do have one more thing in common: their lack of real water resistance. You can’t swim with the Cartier Drive de Cartier or the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. Perhaps this could be a reason to grow a collection of three watches in the future.
