First designed for Brazilian Aeronaut and Inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, the Cartier Santos-Dumont is one of the most iconic watches in the world and one that hasn’t evolved much since then with a few minor facelifts here and there. This year at Watches & Wonders 2022, three limited-edition models were presented and all we could say was wow! Cased in the large case size —43.5 mm x 31.4 mm— in either 18K rose gold, platinum, or stainless steel with a thin layer of lacquer on their bezels and the top of their cases matching the color of the dial —except the platinum piece—, this new limited edition takes the prize for one of the best looking Santos Dumont watches out there. With an interesting vintage or almost antique feel to them, they seem to have come from a different era.
Things to Know About the Watch
The dial and the bezel of the new Cartier Santos Dumont Limited Edition are what really sets this watch apart from the rest. All three models are fitted with lacquered dials in beige, black, and white. Each model is fitted with a different cabochon on its crown, being black for the 18K rose gold model, blue for the stainless steel, and ruby for the platinum piece. The dial has the traditional layout with the Chemin de fer minute track and with applied Roman numerals. The dials feature a pattern with concentric squares that diminish from the periphery to the center of the dial.
The Movement
Turning the watch over reveals a signed case back with ‘Santos Dumont’ on it. The watches are powered by the manual wound Cartier calibre manufacture 430 MC with a power reserve of 38 hours.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, these Cartier Santos Dumont Limited Edition watches wear true to their size and with remarkable wrist presence. Delivered on a rolled edges alligator strap with tone-on-tone stitching, the 18K rose gold model is delivered on a dark green alligator strap, the stainless steel model on a black one, and the platinum on a burgundy alligator strap matching the lacquered accents on the case. The 18K rose gold model is available in a limited edition of 200 pieces, the platinum in a limited edition of 150 pieces, and the stainless steel model as a regular production with no limitation.
Sticker Price $18,800 USD for platinum, $14,100 USD for 18K rose gold and $6,000 USD for stainless steel. For more info on Cartier click here.
