Designed in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the distinctive square bezel and exposed screws established a design language that remains foundational to the Maison. The W2SA0011 features a mirror finished 18k rose gold bezel, creating a stark visual contrast against the brushed stainless steel flanks of the Large-format case.
The silvered dial exhibits classic Cartier typography, featuring elongated Roman numerals with the hidden signature integrated into the VII marker. Housed within the sharply brushed case is a high-autonomy quartz caliber.
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: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Minor Visible Wear Production: 2019 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 31.4mm x 43.5mm Thickness: approx. 7mm Lug Width: approx. 18mm
Case: Stainless steel, brushed finish, mirrored facets, minor visible wear Bezel: 18K rose gold, mirrored finish with 8 screws, minor visible wear Dial: Silvered satin-brushed dial, printed roman numerals Hands: Blued-steel, sword-shaped hands
Crown: Stainless steel cabochon crown, minor visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, minor visible wear Bracelet: Black leather strap, minor visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid, screwed-down, minor visible wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche