DESCRIPTION
Among the many sophisticated and complex watches presented by Cartier at Watches and Wonders 2022, there was one that, in its elegance, stood out for its simplicity. It was the Santos-Dumont Large Lacquered Case, unusual and interesting, unlike any other recent Cartier but clearly recognizable as a watch by the Parisian jeweler. Available in steel, rose gold (like the reference shown here) or platinum, the new Santos-Dumont had its case and bezel finished in colored lacquer, while the dial featured a concentric cube pattern. While recalling a vintage Santos with similar decoration, the lacquered case remains unique in the current Cartier range.
The new Santos-Dumont is in fact inspired by a 1920s watch with a lacquered bezel, which gives it a surprising vintage allure that is entirely original. With its square bezel and Roman numerals, it is clearly a Santos, but one that stands out from its more banal counterparts. Based on the Santos-Dumont launched in 2020, the new model is identical in shape and dimensions: 43.5 mm by 31.4 mm in diameter and 7.3 mm thick. The lacquer decoration is an aesthetic addition to the classic case, which starts out as a standard Santos-Dumont case before being engraved with shallow depressions to accommodate a thin layer of lacquer. After filling the depressions with lacquer and allowing it to dry, the case is polished, leaving the lacquer smooth and flush with the surface of the case. Inside is the ultra-thin manually wound mechanical caliber 430 MC, the same movement found in the standard Santos-Dumont. It is actually a Piaget caliber 430P, with a power reserve of 38 hours due mainly to its small diameter and thinness. This rose gold version was made in a limited edition of 250 pieces and the example offered here is a full set.
