The reference WSSA0023 is the contemporary interpretation of the Cartier Santos-Dumont, the first purpose-designed men's wristwatch, originally created in 1904 for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. The model retains the iconic square bezel with eight exposed screws, the satin-brushed silver dial with radial Roman numerals, and the characteristic beaded crown set with a synthetic blue spinel cabochon.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2016 Contents: Box and Paper Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 28x38mm Thickness: approx. 8mm Lug Width: approx. 16
Case: Stainless steel case, brushed sides and mirrored chamfer, light visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, high mirrored finish (with eight visible screws), light visible wear Dial: Silvered satin-brushed dial, printed Roman numerals, minute track on the inner square Hands: Blued-steel, sword-shaped hands
Crown: Beaded stainless steel push-pull cabochon crown, light visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Navy blue leather strap, light visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid (engraved), secured by screws, light visible wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: High Autonomy Swiss Quartz