The Cartier Santos:
The World's First Pilot's Watch Gets A Facelift!

Cartier has always been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Since the brand’s inception in 1847 they have time and again captured the essence of aviation history, with the Santos collection long revered as the world’s first pilot’s watch. Over 100 years on from it’s first iteration, the Cartier Santos retains the essence of its predecessor while exuding modern charm.

Originally created in 1904 by Louis Cartier, the Santos watch was designed for Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont, one of the pioneers of modern aviation. Santos-Dumont required a timepiece that allowed him to keep track of time during his adventurous flights and thus, the Cartier Santos was born. Since then Cartier have improved both the cosmetics and the functionality of this signature style, merging cutting-edge technology with an elegant aesthetic.

Click here to visit our page on Cartier Santos watches

Cartier introduced the Santos 100 in 2004 to mark the 100th anniversary of it’s first appearance, and during its thirteen-year production it evolved into a fully-fledged collection. Of all the iterations Cartier have released during it’s lifespan, the Santos-Dumont Skeleton watch boast the biggest facelift.

The dial of the Cartier Santos has always been a testament to Cartier’s attention to detail, but the Santos-Dumont revamps the dial altogether. The Santos-Dumont Skeleton watch showcases the art of skeletonization, where the movement of the watch is intricately exposed by removing excess material from the dial and movement bridges. This creates a mesmerizing and transparent design, allowing the wearer to admire the inner workings of the watch.

Click here to read our article on the history of the Cartier Santos.

Cartier Santos 100 Yellow Gold Chronograph
Cartier Santos Dumon Skeleton


The case of the Santos-Dumont Skeleton is made from stainless steel or 18k gold, providing durability and elegance. It features the iconic square shape with rounded corners that is synonymous with the Santos de Cartier collection. The watch is also adorned with a beaded crown set with a blue synthetic spinel, adding a touch of sophistication.

Due to it’s dimensions and timeless aesthetic, the Cartier-Dumont Santos is suitable for both men and women. It is equipped with a mechanical manual winding movement, offering precision and reliability. The movement consists of 138 individual parts and has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

The dial of the Santos-Dumont Skeleton features black Roman numerals and blued steel sword-shaped hands, providing a classic and timeless aesthetic. It is protected by a sapphire crystal, known for its scratch-resistant properties. It is completed with a black alligator leather strap, adding a luxurious touch to the overall design. It also comes with a quick-switch system, allowing the wearer to easily interchange the strap.

Overall, the Santos-Dumont Skeleton watch is a stunning timepiece that combines the art of skeletonization with the iconic design elements of the Santos de Cartier collection. As the world’s first pilot’s watch receives a well-deserved facelift, Cartier once again demonstrates its ability to honour tradition while embracing innovation. Its exquisite craftsmanship, elegant aesthetics, and high-quality movement make it a coveted choice for watch enthusiasts.

Three Cartier Santos Skeleton Dumont

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