Cartier’s Winter Tale

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Cartier’s 2013 Winter Tale is the fourth instalment of the series. Image: © Cartier

Cartier’s 2013 Winter Tale is the fourth instalment of the series. Image: © Cartier

When the subject of the Winter’s Tale was brought up in recent times, what came to mind was the play by William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616).

Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale, first published in 1623, is “unshakeable” thanks to the unforgettable lectures from great literature teachers during my schooling days.

Cartier’s animated Winter Tale is different in the sense that it reminds us once again that it is Christmas and this is the time to partake in the spirit of giving and sharing.

This short animated film was directed by Eric “Bibo” Bergeron. Bergeron also directed the animated movie “A Monster in Paris” (2011) and was co-director of “Shark Tale” (2004).

In the animated film, a cute panther cub and Cartier’s page boys deliver gifts to a home. Image: © Cartier

In the animated film, a cute panther cub and Cartier’s page boys deliver gifts to a home. Image: © Cartier

In Cartier’s Winter Tale, the fourth in the series, Cartier page boys and a young panther cub deliver Christmas goodies to a home.

A wonderful gift idea for a loved one: Cartier Love rings. Image: © Cartier

A wonderful gift idea for a loved one: Cartier Love rings. Image: © Cartier

The animated film throws up gift ideas such as the fascinating Montre Rotonde de Cartier Mystery watch and love rings.

Cartier’s fascinating Montre Rotonde de Cartier Mystery watch. Image: © Cartier

Cartier’s fascinating Montre Rotonde de Cartier Mystery watch. Image: © Cartier

Speaking of which, love is the common underlying theme in both Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale and Cartier’s Winter Tale.

As such, do have a Merry Christmas with all your loved ones!

Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire: Two’s company, three’s perfect

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Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire. Where is the third sapphire bridge? Photo: © TANG Portfolio, at BaselWorld 2013

Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire. Where is the third sapphire bridge? Photo: © TANG Portfolio, at BaselWorld 2013

Two main features will strike the observer when they first lay their eyes on the Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire made by Girard-Perregaux: the bi-axial tourbillon and secondly, the darkened bridges made of sapphire which have undergone metallic black finishing.

There is actually a third noticeable feature and that will the colour of the case which is made from tantalum.

However, there are not two but three sapphire bridges on Girard-Perregaux’s Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire; so where is the third bridge located?

The third and smallest bridge is actually on the bi-axial tourbillon which has two cages; the first makes one complete rotation on its axis in 45 seconds while the second external cage will complete one rotation in one minute and 45 seconds.

The third sapphire bridge is affixed onto the bi-axial tourbillon which is in continuous motion when the movement is running. Therefore, the three bridges will only be in parallel alignment for perhaps a few seconds or maybe even much less than that. Photo: © TANG Portfolio, at BaselWorld 2013

The third sapphire bridge is affixed onto the bi-axial tourbillon which is in continuous motion when the movement is running. Therefore, the three bridges will only be in parallel alignment for perhaps a few seconds or maybe even much less than that. Photo: © TANG Portfolio, at BaselWorld 2013

Therefore, the third sapphire bridge can only be parallel with the other two fixed bridges for only a very few seconds during each rotation.

Sightings of Girard-Perregaux’s Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire will be rare as only 12 pieces will be made.

The Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and sapphire bridges is priced at 450,000 Swiss francs without tax and 486,000 Swiss francs with tax.