The Santos-Dumont model family is among Cartier's most successful novelties with its cult design details along with different dial and material options. The model family, which stands out especially with its visual similarity to the original model, also nods to the limited edition concept, which the Parisian brand does not offer much, with the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Limited Edition model.
Although the model, which is among the brand's novelties of this year, was designed on the Santos-Dumont XL platform, it is easily separated from other versions with its model-specific details. The model comes in a rectangular case measuring 46.6mm x 33.9mm x 7.5mm. I don't think the XL definition is truly suitable for this model as the 33.9mm width is a size that can even be called compact for modern times. The bezel with screws, which is among the signature details of the collection, is produced from 18K pink gold following the Bi-Color theme of the model. The crown, which hosts a cabochon-cut blue synthetic spinel, is made of stainless steel, as is the case on the main body and back cover. Speaking of the case back, let me add that there is a very stylish engraving with the sketch of Alberto Santos-Dumont’s flying machine "N°19".
It is possible to talk about the dial as the most obvious distinguishing detail of the model. The dial, sporting a background color in copper tones, has a sunray pattern on the outside and a Guilloché-like printed motif in the square section in the center. When I first saw the Santos-Dumont model family at the fair, I thought the dial was a little too plain. The lack of stylized Roman numeral markers and the classic blue handles were quite obvious. However, I see that the dial added to this model positively improves this simplicity. The choice of color and pattern in the center part updated the monochrome theme of the standard models. By the way, if simplicity is important to you, there is no problem... We have a dial without a date window or even a seconds hand.
Another thing I like about the watch is its movement. The Caliber MC 430 is a hand-wound movement based on the Piaget 430P. The caliber, which deserves the title of ultra-thin with its total thickness of 2.15mm, offers a power reserve time of up to 38 hours.
The model is available on a dark gray alligator strap. However, if you wish, you can also find quick-change strap choices in different colors in the Cartier product range. At the end of the comfortable strap, there is a standard steel buckle suitable for the simple theme of the model.
The list price for the model limited to 500 units only is EUR 6,960 (tax excluded). Relatively compact case sizes are slowly regaining their well-deserved reputation. The Santos-Dumont Limited Edition Ref: CRW2SA0025, on the other hand, stands out not only with its elegant dimensions but also with its unique dial design.
