Ronde Louis Cartier WR000351 Watch

Written by: Linda Gayle Parker

The Cartier Ronde Louis Pink Gold Diamonds Alligator Leather Ladies Unisex Small Watch WR000351 is an extraordinarily attractive timepiece, particularly if you like a classic look that is not over-the-top feminine.

The circular case and bezel of pink or rose gold is flattering to more skin tones than either white or yellow gold. The soft sheen of the brown alligator-skin strap lends good looks and textural interest to the watch, as well as balancing the circles-within-circles of the dial with organic, straight lines.

Cartier says of the Ronde Louis design, “The circle has always been a symbol of perfection and Cartier has a passion for architectural perfection.” The goal is timelessness, while keeping time. This atmosphere is aided by the Roman numeral hour markers, and the marvelous, apple-shaped detail on the hour and minute hands. These features, in concert with the white dial and black minute markers also ensure the easy readability to this timepiece.

This watch makes me think of romantic, old-fashioned street clocks or Big Ben, along with glasses of port, sitting in front of the fire, and Sherlock Holmes stories. It simply oozes character and atmosphere. However, it also features a modern GMT scale on the inner dial, with Arabic numerals. GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, now often referred to as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC or UT), relating to the atomic time scale.

Of course, one mustn’t forget the diamonds, all 74 of them! These tiny, round-cut sparklers surround the dial in perfect uniformity. One larger diamond caps the pink gold, engraved crown. Yet, this shimmering presence does not overwhelm the classic dignity of this watch.

Features

This old-fashioned outdoor clock look similar to the Cartier Ronde Louis Watch

• Case 29 mm diam., 6.63 mm thick
• 18 karat pink gold case, bezel, and crown
• Circular-grained crown set with a diamond
• Bezel set with 73 diamonds
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
• Roman and Arabic Numerals
• GMT scale on inner dial
• Apple-shaped detail on blue steel hands
• Alligator-skin strap
• Adjustable deployant buckle
• Cartier caliber 690, quartz movement
• Water resistant to 30 meters or 100 feet
• Functions: hours, minutes.
• Swiss made

Detail of the Ronde Louis Cartier WR000351 Watch

Variations on this model can be found within the Cartier Ronde Louis Collection. All of the timepieces are available in white or yellow gold if you prefer. If you find the diamonds on this watch superfluous, there is also a version without diamonds. The crown on it is capped with a sapphire cabochon, instead. There are also versions with diamonds and a small seconds dial at 10 o’clock. You can view all of the possibilities at Cartier.com.

Drawbacks to this model are few. I question whether the GMT scale is actually useful, or whether the diamonds are really needed. But these are purely personal preferences. This is a fine watch, made from the best materials. It is however, not a watch suitable for immersion, despite the water resistant features of the case. But, it should wear quite well and last a long time, with proper care, especially with the Cartier pedigree behind it.

The retail price of this watch is $18,600. However, there are many online deals, which offer considerable savings. It is important, though to be certain you are doing business with a reputable dealer, for the sake of authenticity, service, the warranty, and other necessary paperwork.