Introduction
Few wristwatch designs have a story as compelling as the Cartier Santos-Dumont. Its origins date to 1904, when Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend, Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to read the time while flying without reaching for a pocket watch. The resulting design helped establish the wristwatch as a practical object for men, while its distinctive square case and exposed bezel screws created a visual identity that remains unmistakably Cartier more than a century later.
The ref. WGSA0098 takes that familiar architecture in a particularly striking direction. Limited to 200 pieces, its 18K rose gold case surrounds a teal enamel bezel and matching sunray-finished dial, with applied Arabic numerals replacing the Roman numerals more traditionally associated with Cartier. Measuring 31.4mm wide and just 7.3mm thick, it retains the elegance of the Santos-Dumont despite its unusually vivid palette. The case back is engraved with a facsimile of Alberto Santos-Dumont's handwritten signature, while inside is the manually wound calibre 430 MC, an ultra-thin movement that allows the watch to maintain its characteristically slender profile.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty and booklet
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
43.5mm x 31.4mm x 7.3mm
Model
Santos-Dumont
Movement
Manual-wind Cartier calibre 430 MC
Reference
WGSA0098
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2025
Condition
Like new
Material
18K Rose Gold
Included
Box, warranty and booklet
Dial Color
Teal
THE DIAL
The sunray-finished teal dial provides an unusually contemporary interpretation of the Santos-Dumont, complemented by a matching enamel bezel. Applied rose gold Arabic numerals depart from Cartier's familiar Roman numeral vocabulary, while matching sword-shaped hands retain an unmistakable connection to the maison's traditional design language.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The large-model Santos-Dumont measures 43.5mm by 31.4mm yet remains remarkably slender at 7.3mm. Its 18K rose gold case frames the teal enamel bezel with its characteristic exposed screws, while a cabochon sits within the beaded crown. The solid case back carries a facsimile engraving of Alberto Santos-Dumont's handwritten signature.
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. It is fitted with its teal alligator leather strap and 18K rose gold pin buckle. Comes with Cartier box, warranty and booklet.
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
Cartier has become particularly adept at using limited editions to explore unexpected variations of its most established designs, and the WGSA0098 is an excellent example. The combination of teal and rose gold transforms the Santos-Dumont without obscuring its century-old architecture, while the Arabic numerals make it especially distinctive. Limited to 200 pieces and powered by a suitably elegant ultra-thin manual movement, it is one of the more characterful contemporary interpretations of the Santos-Dumont.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
