Introducing: The New Cartier Santos-Dumont Brings An Elegant Metal Bracelet And Obsidian Stone Dial To The Collection

What We Know

Cartier’s Santos-Dumont line represents a modern take on the original pilot’s wristwatch designed for aviator and noted dandy Alberto Santos-Dumont. Today, the brand is refreshing the collection with three new offerings in precious metals, featuring updated designs that draw on notable vintage cues from Santos-Dumont’s legacy, including a new metal bracelet. 

The likely standout is a yellow gold model with a black obsidian dial that comes with the new matching 15-link bracelet, also in yellow gold. Cartier says the obsidian is extracted from volcanic material in Mexico, cut to just 0.3 millimeters in depth, and polished to reveal its unique luster. The gold, hour-and-minute handset is surrounded by gilded Roman numerals and a chemin de fer minute track that frames the black dial.

With exposed screws on the polished bezel framing a gently curved brushed case, there are plenty of other Cartier design elements to note. The dial markings are limited to the logo, numerals, and minute track, and the yellow gold versions feature a blue cabochon on the crown, while the platinum model features a red cabochon.

The brand says the new bracelet is inspired by the flexibility of the maison’s made-to-measure metal watch straps developed back in the 1920s. It aims for a smooth drape, with 1.15 mm-thick links forming the mesh, composed of 15 rows for a total of 394 links. Each bracelet is made with these elements, which are machined, finished, and assembled at the Cartier manufacture, it says. 

Available in Cartier’s LM model size, the case measures 43.5 mm in diameter by 31.4 mm wide and is 7.4 mm thick. In addition to the obsidian dial, there is a platinum version with a satin-finish, sunray dial, and another yellow gold version, featuring the same blued hands and satin-finish dial. 

The hand-wound, 430 MC mechanical manufacture movement is Cartier’s version of the ultra-thin Piaget 430P that powers the watch, beating at 3Hz and offering approximately 43 hours of power reserve.

Pricing wasn’t yet available at the time of publishing.

What We Think

A thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and flowing metal bracelet is a welcome addition here, heightening the impact of the elegant Santos-Dumont line. The refreshed case and restrained dial give off a timeless quality that’s further elevated by the use of precious metals. 

The relatively friendly sizing will expand the potential audience across gender lines and put it in contention as a contender for anyone looking to add a Cartier based on the iconic Santos-Dumont design to the collection. An upgrade in movement and the use of precious metals in both the case and bracelet elevate the function, style, and (presumably) pricing. 

The Basics

Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos-Dumont
Reference Number:

Diameter: 43.5 mm x 31.4 mm (width)
Thickness: 7.4 mm
Case Material: Yellow gold, platinum
Dial Color: Obsidian black, satin sunray finish
Lume: No
Water Resistance: 3-bar 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: 15-link bracelet in yellow gold or platinum. 

The Movement

Caliber: Caliber 430 MC
Functions: Hour, minutes
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Thickness: 2.1 mm
Power Reserve: 43 hours
Winding: Hand-winding
Frequency: 3 Hz or 21,600 vph
Jewels: 18
Chronometer Certified: No

Pricing & Availability

Price: Not available at time of publishing
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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