Santos Dumont - Watches & Wonders

Santos-Dumont

Elevating the slim, understated shape of the iconic Santos-Dumont watch: this was the new challenge taken on by the Cartier Manufacture who, in 2023, are introducing a new, specially developed 9629 MC automatic skeleton calibre.

A narrative skeleton movement

The Santos-Dumont watch features, for the first time, a skeleton movement: a tribute to the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, for whom Louis Cartier designed the first modern wristwatch in 1904. This new skeleton movement incorporates a functional miniaturised oscillating weight in the form of a replica of the Demoiselle, a precursor aircraft designed by the pilot in 1907.

Skeleton watches: a Cartier signature

Made in rose gold and steel, the Santos-Dumont skeleton watch takes sophistication one step further with its limited edition in yellow gold and navy lacquer: all the details, the bezel and case are lacquered, including the skeleton bridges onto which the lacquer is applied delicately by hand.
Available from June 2023

A creative and technical challenge

This new micro-rotor calibre took the Cartier Manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds almost two years to develop and is comprised of 212 components.

The Savoir-Faire

Without a dial, skeleton watches allow you to admire with transparency the perfect balance between the movement, which seems suspended in mid-air, and the sculptural frame. Reflecting the creative independence of Cartier watchmaking, these pieces showcase exquisite craftsmanship and style.