Introduction
Few wristwatches can claim a history as significant as the Cartier Santos-Dumont. Its origins date to 1904, when Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, the pioneering Brazilian aviator who wanted to read the time without having to retrieve a pocket watch while flying. The resulting design helped establish the wristwatch as a practical alternative to the traditional pocket watch, while introducing an aesthetic that would become central to Cartier's identity. Its distinctive square case, softened corners, exposed screws and elegant proportions challenged conventional watchmaking design and established a visual language that remains remarkably recognisable more than a century later. Over the decades, Cartier has revisited the Santos-Dumont in numerous forms, preserving its essential architecture while introducing increasingly sophisticated mechanical interpretations. Among the most technically ambitious is the Skeleton Micro-Rotor, which transforms the familiar dial into an intricate mechanical display without sacrificing the elegance of the original design.
Introduced in 2023, reference WHSA0032 is a Santos-Dumont Skeleton featuring a stainless steel case measuring 43.5mm by 31.4mm, with a slender 8mm profile. Its most distinctive feature is the automatic calibre 9629 MC, an openworked movement whose bridges are coated in grey lacquer and arranged to incorporate a miniature representation of an aircraft, a direct tribute to Santos-Dumont's pioneering achievements in aviation. The micro-rotor forms part of this mechanical composition, allowing Cartier to retain the slim proportions traditionally associated with the Santos-Dumont while introducing the convenience of automatic winding. Blued steel sword-shaped hands provide a familiar Cartier signature against the architectural movement, while sapphire crystals on both sides reveal the calibre's intricate construction. Supplied with grey and blue alligator leather straps, this interpretation combines the historical significance of Cartier's original aviation watch with an imaginative expression of contemporary mechanical watchmaking.
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Grade
M 10
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty, booklets, spare strap and hangtag
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
43.5 × 31.4 × 8mm
Model
Santos-Dumont
Movement
Automatic Cartier Calibre 9629 MC
Reference
WHSA0032
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2024
Condition
New
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Box, warranty, booklets, spare strap and hangtag
Dial Color
Skeletonised with Grey Lacquered Bridges
THE DIAL
The openworked display replaces a conventional dial with the architectural bridges of the calibre 9629 MC, finished in grey lacquer. The movement incorporates a miniature aircraft motif inspired by Alberto Santos-Dumont's aviation achievements, creating a distinctive visual centrepiece. Polished blued steel sword-shaped hands retain the familiar Cartier aesthetic while providing a striking contrast against the mechanical construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The stainless steel case measures 43.5 × 31.4mm and is just 8mm thick, retaining the elegant proportions of the traditional Santos-Dumont. Its distinctive rounded corners, exposed bezel screws and carefully integrated lugs reflect the original design's architectural character. Sapphire crystals on the front and back reveal the openworked movement, while the sapphire-set winding crown provides another characteristic Cartier detail.
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 new condition.
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
The Santos-Dumont Skeleton Micro-Rotor is a particularly imaginative interpretation of Cartier's most historically significant wristwatch. Its aircraft-inspired movement, exceptionally slim case and sophisticated openworked construction celebrate the pioneering spirit of Alberto Santos-Dumont while demonstrating Cartier's considerable expertise in contemporary mechanical design.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
