Defying Time & Tradition

First introduced in 1904, the original Santos-Dumont was a revolutionary timepiece, designed specifically for the famed aviator, and among the world’s first wristwatches. With its distinctive square case and exposed screws, this innovative watch not only provided practical functionality for pilots but also set a new benchmark for elegance and style in horology. Over the decades, the Santos-Dumont has become a true symbol of Cartier’s pioneering spirit and enduring legacy.

Taking your watch collecting to the next level often involves acquiring timepieces that epitomise the pinnacle of horological artistry and enduring allure. Among such icons, the Cartier Santos-Dumont stands out as a true masterpiece. Adding a Santos-Dumont to your collection is more than acquiring a luxury watch; it’s embracing a storied artefact that bridges generations of watch enthusiasts. Elevating this legacy further are whimsical and bold variations that introduce fresh layers of creativity and sophistication. The recently unveiled Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind exemplifies this ingenuity, blending technical mastery with playful charm. This revolutionary model captures attention with its striking carnelian dial, which exudes boldness and vibrancy, while subtle design nuances underscore the exclusivity of its platinum limited edition.

A closer examination reveals an unprecedented innovation: the Roman numeral hour markers are arranged in a groundbreaking reverse layout, defying conventional norms of time display. This imaginative design, which features time moving backwards, adds a whimsical twist to traditional watchmaking, turning everyday timekeeping into an experience infused with playful elegance. This inventive creation honours the daring spirit of aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, embracing his legacy of challenging conventions and exploring new possibilities. In an unexpected twist, the watch features apple-shaped hands powered by the mechanically reversed Cartier Calibre 320 MC, a manual winding movement that allows the hands to move counterclockwise. This bold reinterpretation of timekeeping merges technical brilliance with artistic ingenuity, offering a unique blend of functionality and charm.

In 2024, Cartier continues the proud tradition that began with the first Santos-Dumont, unveiling three stunning new models that pay homage to the legacy of Alberto Santos-Dumont while redefining contemporary elegance. Each piece in this latest collection embodies a daring combination of colour, material, and craftsmanship, showcasing the maison’s commitment to excellence and originality. With lacquer-coated dials, bezels, and cases, the new designs invite wearers to experience time with unparalleled brilliance and depth. The collection introduces three striking variations, each crafted to reflect the spirit of adventure and sophistication that defined its namesake: Olive Green with Platinum, Peacock Blue with Rose Gold, Taupe Grey with Yellow Gold.

One of the most distinctive features of these watches is their lacquer coating, a hallmark of Cartier’s meticulous craftsmanship. Applied in layers less than a thousandth of a millimetre thick, this fine translucent lacquer is handpolished to perfection, resulting in a radiant finish that enhances the depth and contrast of the colours. The interplay of light on the lacquered surfaces imbues the watches with a dynamic quality, bringing the dials and bezels to life.

The square cases, a defining element of the Santos-Dumont, are punctuated by exposed screws, underscoring the watch’s robust design and mechanical precision. The addition of elegant Arabic numerals, delicately arranged to complement the rounded corners of the dial, reflects Cartier’s ability to harmonise tradition with modernity. The timepieces are powered by the manual mechanical calibre 430 MC, a movement that not only ensures precision but also reinforces the maison’s commitment to horological excellence.