Cartier Santos Dumont WGSA0086

Cartier Santos Dumont XL WGSA0086 Middle East Limited Edition Platinum

Arguably one of the most iconic timepieces ever, the Cartier Santos Dumont is the watch we must thank for the modern horology industry that we all know and love. Designed in 1904 as the first-ever pilot’s watch and thus the first-ever tool watch, the Cartier Santos Dumont has continued to push boundaries ever since it was strapped to the wrist of famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. As the story goes, Alberto asked Louis Cartier for a wristwatch that he could wear while flying, as it would be so much more practical than using his pocket watch while simultaneously trying to control his plane. Following on from that first timepiece, the Santos Dumont has grown to become a signature piece within Cartier’s iconic catalog, with it serving as the perfect canvas for Cartier to create limited edition variants that pay respect to a particular source of inspiration, with this example, the ref. WGSA0086 paying homage to the Middle East. A limited edition of just 200 pieces, the ref. WGSA0086 features an XL version of the Santos Dumont’s case that is made entirely of platinum – in keeping with the Islamic teachings that restrict Muslim men from wearing gold. Furthermore, it also features a silver sunburst dial with blue Hindu-Arabic numerals that feature prominently against their backdrop and match the timepiece’s blued steel handset. Finally, an amethyst cabochon in its winding crown serves as a delightful pop of contrast against the silver and blue colors throughout its design thanks to its purple color – a noticeable change from the red ruby cabochons that Cartier typically uses in their platinum models. THE DIAL With its green Hindu-Arabic numerals and decorated center, the ref. WGSA0086's silver dial is truly unique amongst the dials that Cartier typically produces. THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting the Santos Dumnont's construction in its XL sizing and made of platinum with a purple amethyst in its winding crown, the ref. WGSA0086 brings a truly unique wrist presence that Cartier doesnt often speak to. 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.