Gone are the days when Cartier’s iconic Santos Dumont watch was understated. The inventive overhaul now witnesses the elegant timepiece donning a specially developed 9629 MC automatic skeleton caliber, albeit staying true to the elegance of the original 1904 model. For Watches & Wonders, the watchmaker has released the Santos-Dumont Skeleton in a trio of metals. All three iterations share details like discernable screws, a beaded crown topped with blue cabochon, a skeleton movement, and a miniaturized functional oscillating replica of the Demoiselle, a trailblazing plane designed by Alberto Santos Dumont in 1907.
The only difference is the case; while the limited edition is made of gold (limited to 150 examples), the other two colorways (rose gold and stainless steel)are offered with steel cases. All three versions feature a case measuring 31mm and 8mm in thickness though it is easy to guess which one is a favorite. The Brazilian aeronaut, sportsman, and inventor inspired Cartier’s aesthetic and technical tribute. The Maison has set unprecedented skill levels with the new micro-rotor caliber that took almost two years to develop and comprises 212 components.
The showstopper of the collection- the limited edition in yellow gold and navy lacquer timepiece features lacquered bezel and case boasting skeleton bridges, all painstakingly hand-crafted to look breathtaking. The watch also exhibits Cartier’s signature blue cabochon and blue steel hands, perfectly complemented by a dark blue alligator strap. Unlike the steel counterparts, the chic yellow gold Santos Dumont watch is limited to 150 numbered pieces. The watch is water resistant upto 30 meters, with a power reserve of 44 hours.
