With its flexible metal bracelet, hard stone dial and mechanical manufacture movement, this new version of the Santos-Dumont watch channels the dandyism of Alberto Santos-Dumont, who was known for his singular style and attention to detail. "The new Santos-Dumont emphasises its resemblance to the original shape, and the bracelet, at once fluid and precious, is an expression of contemporary elegance." Pierre Rainero, Director of Image, Style and Heritage.
True to the elegance and pioneering spirit of the original, which was created in 1904 to enable aviators to tell the time mid-flight, this model shares the same codes: Roman numerals, visible screws, circular-grained crown and a blue cabochon. A great classic of the design world, it was the first modern watch designed to be worn on the wrist and has now been reinterpreted with vintage accents, bringing together a wide range of skills at the Cartier Manufacture, from the most traditional to the most innovative.
The centrepiece of this new LM-size of the Santos-Dumont watch is the dial in gilded obsidian. A feat of gem-cutting, this volcanic stone from Mexico owes its iridescent reflections to tiny air bubbles trapped in the material, making each watch unique. At just 0.3 mm in depth, its delicacy makes it comparable to glass, posing a significant challenge for the Maison's craftsmen. Once the stone has been cut, it is polished to reveal its stunning radiance.
A link in the maison’s long tradition of precious bracelets.
Inspired by the flexibility of the first made-to-measure metal watch bracelets developed by the Maison back in the 1920s, the yellow gold bracelet of this new Santos-Dumont watch unfoldswith infinite delicacy against the skin. This silky-smooth feel is achieved by the refinement of the 1.15 mm-thick links that form the mesh, which is composed of 15 rows for a total of 394 links. All of these elements are machined, finished and assembled at the Manufacture and then each piece of the polished bracelet is attached to the case and clasp.
Equipped with the 430 MC hand-wound mechanical manufacture movement, this version of the Santos-Dumont watch comes in two other LM-size models with silvered satin-finish dials with sunray effect, one in yellow gold and the other in platinum.
The Santos-Dumont range has also been refreshed with the launch of two new LM-size watches in yellow gold and gold and steel.
