Cartier Drive de Cartier Moonphase

When Cartier introduced the Drive de Cartier in 2016, it marked one of the maison's most important new men's collections in decades. Rather than revisiting an archival design, Cartier created an entirely new silhouette—one that seamlessly blended classical dress-watch elegance with contemporary proportions. The result was a watch that felt unmistakably Cartier while carving out an identity all its own.

Defined by its softly cushion-shaped case, flowing lugs, and gracefully domed crystal, the Drive possesses an effortless sophistication that sets it apart from the angular Tank and Santos. Combined with Cartier's signature Roman numerals, blued-steel sword hands, chemin de fer minute track, and a sapphire cabochon crown, it captures the timeless design language that has made the maison one of watchmaking's most influential names.

This Drive de Cartier Moon Phases is housed in a beautifully proportioned 41mm stainless steel case and features an elegant silver flinqué (a fancy engraving technique) dial with oversized black Roman numerals radiating from a guilloché center. At 6 o'clock, a richly detailed moonphase display adds both visual depth and practical refinement, lending the watch an unmistakably classical character without sacrificing the clean symmetry of the design.

Powering the watch is Cartier's in-house Caliber 1904-LU MC automatic movement, combining reliable everyday performance with one of horology's most poetic complications. The watch is fitted to a black alligator leather strap with Cartier's signed stainless steel deployant clasp and is accompanied by an additional strap, offering welcome versatility.

Complete with its inner and outer presentation boxes, warranty card, and extra strap, this example represents one of Cartier's finest modern dress watches. Produced for only a relatively brief period, the Drive has already earned a devoted following among collectors who appreciate its understated elegance and distinctive design. Thoughtful, refined, and unmistakably Cartier, it stands as one of the maison's most compelling contemporary creations.

Cartier's story began in 1904, when Louis Cartier created one of the world's first purpose-built wristwatches for his friend, pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The resulting Santos challenged the era's reliance on pocket watches and helped establish the wristwatch as a practical—and elegant—alternative.

In 1917, Cartier introduced what would become its defining creation: the Tank. Inspired by the aerial geometry of the Renault FT tanks used during the First World War, Louis Cartier transformed their parallel tracks into the watch's signature brancards, creating a silhouette whose clean proportions have remained virtually unchanged for more than a century. From the elongated Tank Cintrée and refined Tank Louis Cartier to the architectural Tank Chinoise, the collection has evolved into one of the most influential watch families ever made.

Cartier's appeal has always extended far beyond traditional watch collectors. Worn by cultural icons including Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, Muhammad Ali, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, its watches have become symbols of timeless style as much as exceptional design.

Beyond the Tank, collections such as the Santos, Panthère, Pasha, Ballon Bleu, and Crash have each become icons in their own right. Today, Cartier occupies a unique place in horology—one of the few maisons equally revered for its jewelry craftsmanship and its extraordinary contribution to the history of watch design.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.