Santos watch, skeleton, large model, Manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber 9611 MC.
Steel case, 7-sided crown set with a sapphire, gray steel sword-shaped hands, sapphire crystal and case back. Steel bracelet with SmartLink adjustment system. Second strap in dark blue rubber, with interchangeable steel deployant buckle. Both straps are fitted with the “QuickSwitch” interchangeability system. Hours and minutes with skeletonized bridges forming Roman numerals, covered in blue lacquer. Movement consisting of 138 parts including 20 rubies.
Movement dimensions: 28 mm x 28 mm, movement thickness: 3.97 mm, balance: 28,800 vibrations/hour, power reserve approx. 70 hours.
Case width: 39.8 mm, thickness: 9.08 mm. Water-resistant up to 10 bar (approx. 100 meters/330 feet).
Origin: The Santos de Cartier, born in 1904, was conceived by Louis Cartier, a visionary jeweler, for his friend, the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This marked the genesis of one of the first wristwatches, designed specifically to meet the demands of early flight. The creation was a direct response to Santos-Dumont's need for a practical timepiece during his aerial endeavors, reflecting a fusion of functionality and elegance.
Construction: The Santos de Cartier Skeleton, Large model, WHSA0015, is meticulously crafted from stainless steel, embodying both resilience and refinement. The manual winding Caliber 9611 MC movement powers the watch, providing approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The skeletonized dial, a testament to haute horlogerie, features bridges that artfully form Roman numerals, and is protected by a sapphire crystal.
Utility: This timepiece offers essential functions: hours and minutes, presented with stark clarity. The design incorporates a steel bracelet equipped with the "SmartLink" adjustment system, ensuring a perfect fit. Furthermore, the inclusion of an interchangeable alligator leather strap with the "QuickSwitch" system provides versatility, adapting seamlessly to diverse occasions and styles.
Influence: The Cartier Santos de Cartier has profoundly impacted the watchmaking world, influencing generations of designers and collectors. Alberto Santos-Dumont, the original wearer, embodied the spirit of innovation and adventure, forever linking the watch to the dawn of aviation. The design ethos continues to resonate, as demonstrated by the 2018 revamp, which modernized the collection with features like the "QuickSwitch" system. The legacy of the Santos de Cartier is etched in the annals of horological history, symbolizing enduring design and timeless elegance.
