Cartier Santos Dumont 4298

Cartier Santos Dumont NSO Les Flaneurs

Basic Info Listing code : MWE3L4 Brand : Cartier Model : Santos Dumont Movement : Manual winding Case material : Steel Bracelet material : Crocodile skin Year of production : 2023 Condition : New Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Price : 22,500 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Case Case material : Steel Dial : Green Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Crocodile skin The name Cartier needs no introduction. As one of the most influential and celebrated jewellery/watch brands of the last 100 years, it has always stood as a mark of luxury and desirability. Without taking away from its historical significance, I would say that when it comes to watches, Cartier has always been predominantly known as a ‘design’ brand rather than a pure watchmaking one, with stunningly iconic models such as the Tank, the Crash, and the Santos all seen as important due to how it looks. In fact, to this day, it is the beautiful and unconventional designs that attract collectors and it is a unique position in the watch brand hierarchy that no other possesses. For those who do not know, the history of the Cartier Santos dates back to 1904, and it is one of Cartier’s oldest collections and one that is entirely dedicated to men. The collection was named after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont who commissioned a watch from his friend Louis Cartier in 1904 to be worn while piloting his flying machines. The Cartier Santos is arguably the first men’s (and pilot) wristwatch to have ever been made. Designed from scratch to be worn on the wrist and not a converted pocket watch like most from its era, the Santos is undoubtedly a significant watch, not only for Cartier but also for the history of watchmaking in general. Since then, Cartier has been producing many different variations of the Santos. Offered today is a special edition of the Santos-Dumont: the Santos-Dumont Large NSO ‘Les Flaneurs.’ For context, this unique NSO project began around 2021 and was created to honour the passion and dedication of the ‘Les Flaneurs’ club, a community of Cartier watch enthusiasts that includes renowned collectors such as Auro Montanari, Shary Rahman, and Wei Koh. The term ‘Flâneurs’ translates to ‘saunterers’ in French, referring to individuals who enjoy leisurely strolling and observing life. According to Wei Koh, one of the key contributors to the design of this watch, it describes someone who appreciates style, nuance, and detail—taking pleasure in the subtleties of life. This core belief is the unifying principle of the ‘Les Flaneurs' club and served as the inspiration for the design of this beautiful Santos-Dumont. I must say, the emerald green colour chosen for this piece is truly exceptional. It radiates vitality, power, and energy. By incorporating this bold hue, the watch becomes a statement piece that is sure to capture attention wherever its wearer goes. The striking emerald green dial is complemented by a sunburst finish and features applied rhodium Chinese characters marking the 3, 6, 9, and 12-hour positions. Despite being labelled a ‘Large’ model, the watch is actually quite modest in size, measuring just 43.5mm x 31.4mm. The design is further elevated by a rarely seen emerald cabochon set into the winding crown at 3:00, which beautifully complements the dial’s vibrant green tone. When you flip the watch over to its caseback, you’ll find a charming engraving of a four-leaf clover, filled with colour-matching green enamel lacquer, along with an individual number and the name of the club, ‘Les Flaneurs.’ Beneath this engraved solid caseback lies the hand-wound Cal. 430 MC, a movement derived from the ultra-thin Piaget Cal. 430P, offering a 38-hour power reserve. For those wondering, yes, while most Santos-Dumont models in the ‘Large’ size typically eature quartz movements, this ‘Les Flaneurs’ limited edition is equipped with a ‘mécanique’ caliber—at the special request of the club members who contributed to the design of this piece. What more is there to say? The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large NSO ‘Les Flaneurs’ Limited Edition is an exceptional piece from Cartier in nearly every way. Like many other Cartier limited editions, this reference captures the Maison’s signature elegance and design spirit, blending classic form with innovative technical execution. I have no doubt it will age gracefully and be cherished by collectors for years to come. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, this exclusive Santos-Dumont was pre-allocated from the beginning of the NSO project. So, unless you were one of the lucky 50 individuals to be allocated one, there was simply no way to acquire it—until now. CONDITION REPORT This Cartier Santos-Dumont Large NSO ‘Les Flaneurs’ is in brand new condition. It comes with its original box, papers and is in full working order. SPECS Brand: Cartier Year: 2023 Model: Santos-Dumont Large NSO ‘Les Flaneurs’, Limited Edition of 50 pieces Reference Number: 4298, WSSA0066 Material: Stainless Steel Movement: Cartier Cal. 430 MC, Manual-Winding Case Dimensions: 43.5mm (Including Lugs) x 31.4mm x 7.5mm Lud Width: 18mm Strap: Cartier Green Crocodile Leather Strap with Signed Stainless Steel Tang Buckle