Cartier Santos Dumont WGSA0053

$30,300

Introduced in Watches & Wonders 2022, the WGSA0053 is a bold and refreshing take on the brand's classic dress watch. Featuring a platinum case with a burgundy lacquered finish, the Cartier Santos-Dumont "Lacquered Case" remains among the most popular re-issues in recent memory.

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This is the Cartier Santos-Dumont reference WGSA0053. The history of the Santos is well-documented in 1904, when Alberto Santos-Dumont, a good friend of Louis Cartier, wanted a wristwatch to accompany him while he was flying due to the impracticalities of the pocket watch. In 1906, Alberto was the first ever person filmed in a flight sporting the iconic Cartier Santos-Dumont and the rest, as they say, is history. Among the many Cartier timepieces, the Santos is arguably the brand's most recognizable model alongside the Tank and these two models remain the foundation that underpins many of Cartier's best-selling watches today.

Introduced in Watches & Wonders 2022, the Santos-Dumont "Lacquered Case" was a modern take on the brand's timeless icon. A clear standout among Cartier's new releases, the new Santos-Dumont sported classic features such as Roman numerals and exposed screws with a modern twist. Released as a regular variant in steel and a limited edition in rose gold and platinum, the lacquered case and bezel added was a refreshing change to the modern Santos-Dumont released in 2020. A simple yet bold reimagination, the introduction of the lacquered finishes added a colourful aesthetic to the traditionally restrained model.

In particular, the platinum edition on offer is paired with a ruby cabochon traditionally only reserved for special releases by the brand. The colour of the cabochon is complemented by the burgundy-coloured lacquered case and the red railroad minutes track that sits on a dial with a concentric-style finish that sets this reference apart from the usual grained or guilloche finishes seen in previous iterations of the Santos-Dumont. The reference is powered by the Cal. 430MC based on Piaget's extra-thin Cal. 430P, allowing for the case to remain thin by modern standards.

As one of Cartier's most important designs, it is heartening to see the brand innovate and reimagine what many consider as the prefect dress watch. This is especially so in modern times where the brand has focused on modern re-issues, with some being more successful than others. That being said, the Santos-Dumont "Lacquered Case" is truly one of Cartier's best attempts at recreating a classic and the success of the release is a testament to the brand's ability in appealing to both vintage and modern enthusiasts alike.