Cartier has just released two new models for its new "Les Must" collection of watches and other luxury goods. This is not the first time the name has been used for a Cartier line, but these products are new - at least that is what Cartier tells us (as the watches look so similar to what has been in the past and present for Cartier). Cartier was never one for mainstreaming complex designs and these two Les Must Tank Solo and Ronde Solo watches pretty much epitomize the elegant simplicity of Cartier. Further still, the watches appear to be simplified versions of Cartier's other Tank and Ronde watches.

Both models have male and female sized versions. I pictured only the male versions because the female versions are almost identical, just a bit smaller. All of the watches have Swiss quartz movements, that most Cartier buyers are OK with. Serious watch lovers tend to prefer mechanical watches, but the perception is that Cartier watch buyers are interested first in the name, second in the look, and third in telling the time. To remove any obviousness of the movements being quartz, Cartier removed the seconds hand so as to prevent the sight of a ticking hand. The cases are in steel and elegantly shaped, though intentionally simplified. This also goes with the steel bracelets.

Aside from that the details are all rank-and-file Cartier. Blue cabochon in the crown, Roman numeral dial, blued sword hands, and the silvered Opaline dial. My feeling is that the collection is meant to be a lower cost selection in response to far lower luxury spending these days. It is wise for Cartier to give its fans something more along the lines of what spending habits have been, to keep them interested in the brand. In a few years we will see higher priced new models once again.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.