DESIGNS OF MODERNITY
WITH THE NEW AND UPDATED CARTIER SANTOS-DUMONT COLLECTION, THE MAISON REVEALS A STYLISH TAKE ON A LEGENDARY TIMEPIECE
Created all the way back in 1904, the design of the iconic Santos de Cartier watch was based on the concept of form, a taste for minimalism, the precision of proportions and an eye for detail. The watch was specially made for famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and Louis Cartier designed it with a square shape at a time when pocket watches were traditionally round. In short, the Santos was truly revolutionary.
The Santos de Cartier’s signature elements became instantly recognizable, from its square or straight shape, rounded corners, a seamless curve of horns that converges towards the strap and exposed screws. Speaking of which, the screws—traditionally hidden in watchmaking— were made visible and became an aesthetic code of the collection. The Santos watch rose through the ranks to become a classic that would defy the hands of time, while at the same time cementing the legend of Cartier’s style as an icon both for men and women.
Earlier this year, during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 event, the Maison unveiled the next chapter in the Santos de Cartier’s history. In updating this legendary timepiece, the design studios under Cartier chose to focus on the proportions of the watch while maintaining the utmost respect for its aesthetics. In particular, the Maison unveiled at the historic fair the Santos Dumont collection, which is enriched by three new limited-edition pieces.
As a tribute to the historical model, the Santos-Dumont collection adds three lacquer watches to its repertoire of elegance that surely elevates the style and spirit so dear to legendary aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The first limited edition of 150 individually numbered pieces come with touches of burgundy both in the bezel as well as the alligator leather strap, while its crown set with a ruby cabochon.
The second limited edition of 250 individually numbered pieces comes in a combination of beige for the bezel and rose gold for the case,
and is completed with a dark green alligator leather strap while a sapphire cabochon tops the crown. Last but not least, there is a black and steel version enhanced by a blue synthetic spinel cabochon for its crown and a black alligator leather strap.
Most importantly, these three new color variations—which encompass three color and material combinations, namely burgundy and platinum, beige and gold, black and steel— are coated with a thin layer of lacquer, then smoothed and polished by hand. The finesse of this translucent lacquer adds brilliance, relief and depth to the colors of the dial.
Furthermore, this 43.5mm x 31.4mm darling of a timepiece is effectively the same Santos as the updated one in 2018, and the new SantosDumont watch is faithful to the pure design of the original model. And ticking beneath all of that beautiful dial and updated bezel, the SantosDumont houses Cartier’s manual winding, the manufacture 430 MC with a power reserve of 38 hours. Uniquely, in a classic Cartier fashion, the movement sits behind a closed case-back in which is signed “Santos Dumont” in a handwritten script.
All in all, with each passing decade, Santos de Cartier has taken on new forms, reinvented to reflect the times with Maison Cartier’s delicate knowledge at the service of a subtle and sophisticated aesthetic that perpetuates the heritage of this great watchmaking classic. Ultimately, with these three new refined and very exclusive watches which cultivate the elegance, simplicity, and practicality inherited from
Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos de Cartier once again becomes the perfect accompaniment on the wrist of bold and fearless gentlemen.
“The SantosDumont collection adds three lacquer watches to its repertoire of elegance that surely elevates the style and spirit so dear to legendary aviator Alberto SantosDumont”