Among Cartier's most beloved and enduring watch designs is the Santos-Dumont - named after the pioneering Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who commissioned a pilot's watch from Louis Cartier in 1904. For 2023, Cartier is introducing an oversized iteration of this classic aviator watch with the Santos-Dumont XL.
With dimensions of 43.5mm x 35.3mm, the new Santos-Dumont XL represents a significant enlargement over the classic medium and large Santos-Dumont models, which typically measure 35mm-38mm. Cartier retains the iconic square case shape but expands it for a bold and modern look suited for larger wrists.
True to its aviation heritage, the Santos-Dumont XL prioritizes outstanding legibility. The secret lies in the signature beaded crown positioned along the upper right of the case. This allows the bezel to slope gently from 12 to 6 o’clock, ensuring the open and very readable dial is angled towards the wearer's line of sight.
The railroad minute track along the dial periphery aids navigation timing, with striking sword-shaped blue steel hands contrasted against a silvered opaline dial. Wearers can appreciate intricate detailing like the guilloche motif in the center and the roman numeral XII marked in blue - a tribute to the original Cartier aviator watches supplied to Santos-Dumont.
Framing the dial is a polished bezel with eight screws, each set with a faceted blue sapphire cabochon gemstone. These screws reference early twentieth century watchmaking when sapphire jewels were used to reduce friction in watch movements. Their presence on the bezel underscores the Santos-Dumont's mechanical pedigree.
Inside the XL case beats a high performance self-winding movement - the Cartier Calibre 430 MC. This in-house movement seamlessly combines modern engineering with traditional watchmaking decorations like circular graining, Geneva waves, blued screws and the signature Cartier “C” shaped rotor. It incorporates 25 jewels and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph with approximately 2 days of power reserve.
Cartier presents the Santos-Dumont XL in two versatile versions to suit different tastes - steel and pink gold. The steel model sports a refined brushed and polished finish, contrasted by the warm glow of 18K pink gold on the crown, hands and roman numerals. Meanwhile, the pink gold edition is more exclusive, with the case, crown, dial accents and brown alligator strap all crafted from the precious metal.
Regardless of metal, the Santos-Dumont XL impresses on the wrist with its slim 7.5mm thickness and sleek proportions. The quick-release straps integrate seamlessly into the case, ensuring seamless ergonomics and comfort.
True aficionados may recognize references that display how devoted Cartier remains to its aviation roots. The riveted bracelet design of the original 1904 Santos-Dumont watch is evoked in the crown's exposed screws. Meanwhile the crown's sapphire stone echoes historical pilot's watches fitted with sapphire jewels for friction reduction.
With the Santos-Dumont XL, Cartier retains the mechanical purity, Art Deco elegance and aviation spirit that made the watch famous. But it also demonstrates the maison's continued creativity and watchmaking prowess by reinterpreting the classic design to meet today's tastes for larger timepieces. The oversize XL variant pays tribute to the aviation pioneer Santos-Dumont while keeping his iconic watch design relevant for the modern gentleman's wrist.
Cartier has not officially released pricing details for the new Santos-Dumont XL watch. However, based on the pricing of current Santos-Dumont models and other oversized Cartier watches, we can estimate the retail price to be:
Santos-Dumont XL in steel - Approximately $6,000 - $7,500 USD
Santos-Dumont XL in pink gold - Approximately $18,000 - $22,000 USD
As an iconic luxury watch from one of the most prestigious brands, the Santos-Dumont XL will carry a significant price tag from Cartier.
How about the replica Cartier Santos-Dumont XL
For replica versions, these will be produced unofficially so there is no set pricing. Replica watch quality and accuracy can vary widely. Some cheap replicas may cost $50 - $100 but would likely have poor build quality, materials and non-functioning movements. Higher quality replicas will be the best choice for you,the top online store d4l.co can offer AAA replica Cartier watches and fast ship world wide.
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For those unable to afford the real Santos-Dumont XL, The replica Cartier is more affordable watches that also can make you seems fashion.
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