A Trio Of Skeletonised Cartier Santos-Dumont Models Unveiled Inspired By Aviation
5 min read
The interplay of see-through mechanisms and aviation-inspired design elements make the latest Cartier Santos-Dumont watch a true marvel. Launched at Watches and Wonders 2023, this timepiece is a daring rendition of the Cartier Santos-Dumont featuring a new in-house movement in a skeletonized appeal. The highlight for this latest release remains to be the aviation-inspired micro-rotor.
Embarking on a technical challenge, Cartier designed a totally new in-house 9629 MC automatic skeleton caliber for this timepiece and it took 2 years to develop at their manufacture.
A Backdrop Of The Cartier Santos-Dumont
The legacy of the original 1904 model designed by Louis Cartier for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont lives on in the latest Santos-Dumont watch, which remains faithful to its elegant design. The latest release for the watch reinterpreted in 2019 boasts a gold or steel case, visible screws, a beaded crown, and a blue cabochon.
The watch's skeleton movement pays homage to the pioneering aviator through intricate structural details, while also incorporating an inventive and narrative touch. Notably, a miniaturized functional oscillating weight takes the shape of a replica of the Demoiselle, a pioneering plane designed by the pilot in 1907. This inclusion imbues the symbol with added significance as it appears to soar over a globe.
A Daring Santos-Dumont Watch Just Like The Aviator Who Inspired It
Paying an honest homage to Alberto Santos-Dumont, this watch is both an aesthetic and technical marvel that matches the pioneer’s impressive feats and achievements. Santos-Dumont was a visionary who designed over 22 flying machines, earned numerous patents for his inventions, and dared to embark on experimental flights all by himself. This watch's new in-house micro-rotor 9629 MC automatic skeleton caliber is a testament to this legacy and took the Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds almost two years to develop. It comprises 212 intricate components.
Crafted in rose gold and steel, the Santos-Dumont skeleton watch exudes sophistication. A limited edition version in yellow gold takes the collection a notch-up and features navy lacquer, skeleton bridges, and a bezel on the case. The meticulous lacquering process applied by hand results in a truly unique and exquisite finish.
What We Think
The Cartier Santos-Dumont has come a long way since its re-introduction in 2019. Featuring a movement designed from the ground up, this timepiece narrates a daring tale of success for the Manufacture and expresses the artisanal watchmaking crafts at Cartier in all their glory.
