Cartier’s model Santos-Dumont, which became an icon with its design and story, once again impresses the watch enthusiasts with its new size and limited editions.
When it comes to modern wristwatches, few have the effect of Cartier. The style of Alberto Santos-Dumont, who developed the first examples of the modern lightweight aircraft, was so peculiar that when Santos-Dumont asked Cartier to develop a solution so he could read the time during the flight, the brand created a model that not only showed time but also suited his style. Cartier Santos-Dumont, who managed to carry that original design to today, fascinated all watch lovers of men and women with many different versions from quartz movements to skeleton dials.
The classic Santos-Dumont was presented in two sizes, small (SM) and large (MM). While both were equipped with quartz movements, XL hosted the most admired skeleton dial design and movement of all time. Now, the classic Cartier Santos-Dumont is renewed with three different versions ticking with a hand-wound movement.
The new Cartier Santos-Dumont XL models are powered by the hand-wound movement Cartier 430 MC, based on the Piaget 430P. The movement provides a 38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Extra Large models debuted with three different case options measuring 46.6 x 33.9 x 7.5mm. Stainless steel, stainless steel/18K rose gold and 18K rose gold. The solid gold version is equipped with a sapphire while the others feature ruby adorned crowns.
The silvered sunray patterned dials of the models match perfectly with the screw-fastened polished bezels and brushed cases. Let's face it, Cartier Santos-Dumont is one of the rare models that can adapt to any style in any way and still stand out in its way.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Limited Editions
“Le Brésil” Santos-Dumont
The “Le Brésil” Santos-Dumont model, which is limited to 100 pieces by Cartier, comes with a platinum case and a silver-toned dial. Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands display the time. Behind the case is the engraving of 'Le Brésil', the first vehicle developed by Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1898, which he called “the smallest” and “the most beautiful”.
“La Baladeuse” Santos-Dumont
With its 18K yellow gold case, champagne-colored dial, sapphire crown, blue sword-shaped hands and a green alligator leather strap with an aged look, there are only 300 of the "La Baladeuse" Santos-Dumont models. On the case back, there is the engraving of the motorized zeppelin 'La Baladeuse', where Santos-Dumont floated above Paris in 1903.
“n°14 bis” Santos-Dumont
Cartier “n ° 14 bis” Santos-Dumont model, limited to 500 units only, comes with an 18K yellow gold bezel, gray dial, blue ruby crown and gold gilded hands on a stainless steel case. The case back of the model has an engraving of ‘n ° 14 bis’.
The case dimensions of these Cartier Santos-Dumont Limited Editions are 43.5 x 31.4mm.
Santos-Dumont “La Demoiselle”
The rarest model of limited editions, Cartier Santos-Dumont “La Demoiselle”, is limited to only 30 pieces. On the case back of the model is the engraving of Santos' most elegant flying vehicle, 'La Demoiselle'. La Demoiselle, developed in 1908, is the most successful flying vehicle of Alberto Santos-Dumont and one of the first mass-produced aircraft.
The model comes in a platinum case measuring 46.6 x 33.9mm and featuring a ruby crown. The dial hosts 'Santos'. The model comes with two straps, one of which is Panama fabric and the other is brown alligator leather, Santos de Cartier cufflinks, brown crocodile travel case, and lacquered wooden box.
The limited-edition models beat with the hand-wound Caliber 430 MC offering a 38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
