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Lot #4554

Cartier Santos Dumont Skeleton Microrotor Demoiselle WHSA003 Steel

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Introduction

Famed for a litany of iconic timepieces like the Tank, Santos, Pasha and others, French jeweler and watchmaker Cartier are time and time again at the forefront of horological design in some way, shape or form. Launched in 2023, the Santos Dumont takes inspiration from the brand’s past and seeks to showcase the watchmaker’s expertise by providing a wonderfully unencumbered view of its micro-rotor cal. 9629MC movement, with its bridges being formed out of the indices that double as the hour markers in its dial. An incredibly creative and wonderfully executed synthesis between a technique that isn't often associated with the brand and a key visual characteristic of the brand, the Santos Dumont is one of the finest skeletonized watches on the market today, all the while perfectly representing Cartier and their incredible climb up the horological ladder as they continue to challenge brands that were previously considered to be beyond their level with regards to raw horological skill. Indeed highlighting the Santos Dumont’s history as a watch created for pioneering aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, the WHSA0032 also features a micro-rotor design inspired by his plane, which can be found at 7 o’clock, creating a rather unique-looking design and capping off what is a wonderfully luxurious timepiece.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 9.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Box and Papers

Est. value range

$15,000 – $20,000

The Details

Brand

Cartier

Dimensions

43.5mm x 31.4mm

Model

Santos Dumont Microrotor Demoiselle

Movement

Automatic cal. 9629MC

Reference

WHSA0032

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 2023

Condition

Like new

Material

Stainless steel

Included

Watch, box, and papers

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring a stunning skeletonized display that intelligently uses its hour marker to create the architecture for its movement while also using a miniature model of Santos Dumont's plane as the design for its micro-rotor, the WHSA0032's display is a lesson in thoughful design and expert execution.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Featuring a stainless steel case with wonderfully balanced proportions, the WHSA0032 is an appealing design on the wrist with an abundance of bevelled edges, and polished bezel acting like a jewel against its brushed case.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall like-new condition. The case shows only light signs of wear or handling. Strap shows light signs of creasing as seen in the images. Comes complete with box and papers.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

Intelligently designed, expertly executed, and steeped in history and tradition, this Santos Dumont does what Cartier does best, take a simple design and implement it in a way that only Cartier can, full of creativity and craftsmanship.

Eric Ku

Co-founder