Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviator, and Louis Cartier shared a ardour for machines and mechanics. In 1904, Louis Cartier offered Santos-Dumont with the primary purpose-designed wristwatch with a stable, rounded sq. case and rivets on the bezel. The thought behind the watch was to permit Santos-Dumont to seek the advice of the time within the cockpit with out having to take away his arms from the controls. Little did both of those forward-thinking gents suspect that this wristwatch would turn into probably the most widespread and enduring Cartier icons of all time. For 2024, Cartier proposes a relatively uncommon mannequin, the Santos-Dumont Rewind, that actually flies within the face of custom.
At first look, the watch seems to be a traditional Santos-Dumont with a beautiful carnelian dial, Roman numerals, a ruby cabochon within the crown and the signature railway minutes monitor. Though the XII and VI are of their typical positions, the remainder of the numbers are reversed, that means that point is learn backwards, not forwards. Whether or not that is Cartier’s concept of flying again in time to honour the Brazilian aviator or only a little bit of a mind-bending whimsy, it can definitely get seen.
Introduced in a platinum case with a diameter of 31.5mm, a size of 43.5mm and a top of simply 7.3mm, this elegant gown watch highlights its glossy geometry with brushed and polished finishings. The signature sq. bezel with rounded edges and eight screws is polished, whereas the case center with its streamlined groove is brushed. The beaded crown is polished and set with a shiny crimson ruby to match the carnelian dial, a semi-precious stone with a muted crimson color.
As talked about, the Roman numerals XII and VI occupy their typical place, however the remainder are inverted and indicated by open-tipped arms. The 230 MC calibre is a modified model of the 430 MC, permitting the arms to show counterclockwise. The calibre is, in flip, a Cartier-branded model of Piaget’s ultra-thin, manual-winding 430P calibre for the hours and minutes. With a top of simply 2.15mm, the motion runs at a frequency of 21,600vph and has a comparatively brief energy reserve of 38 hours.
The Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind is matched with a semi-matte brown alligator strap and a platinum ardillon buckle. It’s a restricted version of 200 numbered items and is available in a particular lacquered picket field. The value will likely be CHF 37,000. Extra particulars at cartier.com.
