Cartier has introduced a quartet of engraved Santos-Dumont limited editions. The watch is best known for being the first pilot’s watch in the world. The new models are now powered by a mechanical movement. Furthermore, they feature engravings with the original plans of Santos-Dumont, as the famous pilot – and Parisian fashion icon – worked to create a flying machine. Cartier’s four engraved Santos-Dumont limited edition models are: ‘La Demoiselle’, Le 14 bis’, ‘Le Brésil’, and ‘La Baladeuse’.
‘Le Brésil’,‘La Baladeuse’, and ‘Le 14 bis’ are housed in a large 43.5 x 31.4 mm. However, ‘La Demoiselle’ is housed an extra large 46.6 x 33.9 mm case. Both ‘Le Brésil’ and ‘La Demoiselle’ have a platinum case. Meanwhile, ‘La Baladeuse’ is housed in an 18-carat gold case, and the ‘No. 14 bis’ has a bi-colour case made from 18-carat gold and stainless steel. Naturally, all of the case bezels feature the line’s hallmark exposed screws, and the crowns are set with either a sapphire or ruby cabochon.
The four models have varying dials, all of which are protected by sapphire crystal. ‘Le Brésil’ features a silvered dial with 12 polished metallic Roman numerals. The watch’s sword-shaped hands are black. Meanwhile, ‘La Baladeuse’ has a champagne coloured dial and blue sword-shaped hands. ‘Le 14 bis’ has an anthracite grey dial, gilded steel sword-shaped hands. Finally, ‘La Demoiselle‘ features an ecru dial which aims to evoke its matching Panama-weave strap in the centre. This is because Santos-Dumont was rarely seen without his Panama hat. It also features black pomme hands. Additionally, the hidden Cartier signature in the ‘VII’ – at 7 o’clock – has been replaced with ‘Santos’.
Unlike previous quartz versions in the line, the hand-wound mechanical movement powering the engraved watches is the brand’s 430 MC, which uses Piaget’s 430P as its base. It offers a power reserve of 38 hours, has a frequency of 3 Hz and also incorporates 18 jewels.
‘Le 14 bis’ is presented on a grey alligator strap, is limited to 500 pieces, and costs 6,950 euros. ‘Le Brésil’ also comes with a grey alligator strap, is a limited edition of 100 pieces, and costs 17,900 euros. The ‘La Baladeuse’ has a green alligator strap, is a limited edition of 300 pieces, and costs 13,700 euros. Meanwhile, ‘La Demoiselle’ comes with two differing straps: one made with Panama fabric, and one with brown alligator leather. Furthermore, it comes in a lacquered maple box with a linen canvas and a Chamel Eco Black interior. It is a limited edition of 30 pieces and costs at 41,900 euros. Cartier’s four engraved Santos-Dumont limited edition watches are available in Cartier boutiques from July onwards.
Chopard has released a new edition of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin, first introduced in 2016 to mark the 20th anniversary of the manufacture. The 43 mm watch with a perpetual calendar is now available not only in stainless steel, but also in an 18-carat rose gold case. The new stainless steel edition has a…
To mark its 185th anniversary, Jaeger-LeCoultre releases a new model. The new Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface is a modern version of the Reverso Tribute, which brings together the flying tourbillon with the duoface concept. Equipped with the new manually wound calibre, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 847, this timepiece is only available fifty times. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface Ref. Q3926480 One…
On the Geneva watch fair SIHH in January 2019 the brand Vacheron Constantin from the identically named district in Switzerland presented a new model. With the Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar the world’s oldest watch manufacture in continuous activity launched a mode with a calibre with minute repeater and perpetual calendar in white gold (Ref. 6610C/000G-B511) and rose gold…
The Roger Dubuis brand is undergoing a transformation, with its strategy honing in on rare, high-end watches in small quantities, building the brand around the Excalibur line. Just earlier this year, as CEO Nicola Andreatta revealed to us over lunch, “[We] are in the process of reinterpreting and reworking some of the most important complications…
If you think the watch and the concept of a limited customer base sound familiar, you're right – at least almost. To mark the 40th anniversary of The Cartier Collection – a collection of jewellery, watches and accessories launched in 1973 that exemplifies the brand's style – the Tank Louis Cartier Platinum Limited Edition was…
Last year, Breitling launched a special edition celebrating the German island of Sylt. Now the brand is presenting the successor. The Breitling SuperOcean Heritage Sylt Edition II combines an ice-blue dial with a dark bezel and is thus very much in the spirit of summer. On the case back, Breitling places a special engraving that…
TUDOR is presenting a new model from the Black Bay family, which comes in a completely black case. It is also made of scratch-resistant ceramic, something that no Black Bay has ever offered before. Inside is an in-house movement that features all black finishing and the METAS certificate. The new Black Bay Ceramic combines a…
Rolex is extending its 'Yacht-Master' range with a new 42 mm model in 18 ct white gold, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 (Ref. M226659). 'Yacht-Master' sailing watches are recognizable thanks to their distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel with a raised 60-minute graduation. They offer legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display.…
Simplicity that conveys complexity is rare. When it comes to the Louis Vuitton Voyager Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition, it is so rare that there are only a mere 150 pieces in existence. With its streamlined shapes, navy blue details and use of the precious metal platinum, this new limited piece from La Fabrique du Temps unites function…
Breguet is expanding its pilot's watch collection with the Breguet Type XXI 3815. It is a modern and sporty reinterpretation of the Type XXI 3817, presented back in 2016. Particularly striking features include the flashy numerals and hands, which are either orange or green. The watch appears in a titanium case, which allows a view…
Audemars Piguet has introduced a new piece in the Royal Oak Concept collection, designed in collaboration with artist KAWS. This watch features a miniature KAWS Companion character and an innovative peripheral time display, showcasing the brand’s commitment to creativity and haute horlogerie. Case The case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” is made of…
Before the official brand relaunch that is set for 2026, Universal Genève has unveiled three special timepieces in honour of the 70th anniversary of the first SAS flight over the North Pole. These tribute watches pay homage to the Polerouter, an iconic model created by young Gérald Genta. With a new case design and the…
This year, Glashütte Original is marking 180 years of fine watchmaking in the Saxon town of Glashütte. To celebrate the anniversary, the manufacture is releasing watches that stay true to local traditions, expressed through their colours, complications and materials. In July, the brand presented a special edition with a dial inspired by the Ore Mountains…