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. This Reference WSSA0023 in stainless steel represents the Small iteration, closely mirroring the wrist-hugging proportions of the original.
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: 2016 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 28x38mm Thickness: approx. 7mm Lug Width: approx. 16mm
Case: Stainless steel, brushed finish, mirrored facets, minor visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, 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