June 13, 2026
Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos Dumont Lacquered
Year: 2022
Case: Large 43.5mm x 31.4mm
Material: Platinum
Dial: White
Functions: Hours and Minutes
Movement: Cal. 430 MC, Manual-Winding
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
Accessories: Box and Papers Original
Warranty: 24 Months
Originally conceived as a pilot's watch more than a century ago, the Santos has never been a sports watch in the modern sense. Instead, it remains one of the purest expressions of Cartier's elegance and distinctive design language. In 2022, the Parisian Maison chose to reinterpret one of its most iconic creations with an unexpected twist, unveiling the Santos-Dumont Lacquered. Distinguished by the striking application of lacquer across both the bezel and case flanks, the model was met with surprise and enthusiasm by collectors and enthusiasts alike, quickly establishing itself as one of the most original and sought-after interpretations of the contemporary Santos-Dumont.
The Santos-Dumont Lacquered stands apart not only from previous models within the collection, but also from the vast majority of elegant watches available today. While vibrant dials have become increasingly common, it remains exceptionally rare to see such a treatment applied directly to the case itself. The example offered here, produced in 2022, is the prestigious platinum version. In addition to its refined burgundy lacquer decoration, it features a distinctive dial with a concentric cube motif, a design that differs markedly from traditional guilloché work. Although the pattern may appear embossed at first glance, the engravings are in fact deeply cut and precision-machined, giving the dial remarkable depth and an exceptional level of craftsmanship.
The case measures 43.5 mm by 31.4 mm while maintaining an elegant thickness of just 7.3 mm. The burgundy lacquer theme continues harmoniously throughout the watch, appearing on the chemin-de-fer minute track, the alligator leather strap, the Cartier signature and the traditional cabochon set into the crown. The same shade is also used for the reproduction of Alberto Santos-Dumont's signature engraved on the caseback.
Powered by Cartier's hand-wound Calibre 430 MC, the watch offers approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Produced in a limited edition of just 150 pieces, the Santos-Dumont Lacquered stands among the most daring and compelling interpretations of one of watchmaking's most enduring icons. The present example is offered as a full set.