Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind
Cartier’s legacy of innovation continues with the introduction of the Santos-Dumont Rewind, a timepiece that challenges traditional watchmaking conventions. Celebrating the enduring partnership between Louis Cartier and the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, this 2024 release takes the iconic design of the Santos-Dumont and adds a unique twist: time runs backwards. With its striking carnelian dial, inverted Roman numerals, and refined platinum case, the Santos-Dumont Rewind is a bold homage to the spirit of aviation and a testament to Cartier’s ability to blend tradition with creative ingenuity.
The case of this model is crafted from platinum, measuring 31.4mm in diameter, 43.5mm in length, and 7.3mm in height, offering a refined and slender profile. The case combines polished and brushed finishes, with the signature square bezel featuring a polished surface and rounded edges, accentuated by eight screws that enhance the iconic design of the Santos-Dumont collection.
On the reverse side, the solid caseback maintains the watch’s elegance and durability. This caseback complements the overall design and provides a secure enclosure for the manually wound movement, preserving the watch’s slim silhouette and classic appeal.
It comes equipped with Cartier’s iconic beaded crown, polished and set with a striking ruby cabochon that matches the carnelian dial. The lugs, also in polished platinum, seamlessly integrate with the semi-matte brown alligator strap, for an overall cohesive aesthetics. Water resistance can last up to 30 meters (98 feet).
The dial of this model is a standout feature, crafted from carnelian, a semi-precious stone known for its warm, muted red hue. This luxurious material gives the dial a rich, vibrant appearance that is both elegant and distinctive. The Roman numerals XII and VI are positioned in their conventional locations, while the rest of the numerals are reversed, creating a visually intriguing design that requires time to be read backwards.
Adding to the unique character of the dial, the numerals are paired with open-tipped steel hands finished in rhodium, ensuring a crisp contrast against the deep red background of the carnelian. The classic Cartier railway minutes track, a hallmark of the brand’s design, encircles the dial, further enhancing its sophisticated aesthetic.
This combination of a carnelian dial, inverted numerals, and rhodium-finished hands creates a harmonious balance of tradition and modernity, making the watch not just a timepiece but a statement of style and craftsmanship. The overall effect is both striking and elegant, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the Santos-Dumont collection.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind
The “Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind” (Ref#: CRWGSA0089) is powered by the in-house hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber 230 MC with 18 jewels and 21,600 vph. This movement is based on the 430 MC calibre, which is itself a Cartier-branded version of the ultra-thin Piaget 430P calibre, which has been specially modified for this model to allow the hands to turn counterclockwise. Power reserve can last up to 38 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on the watch is a semi-matte brown alligator leather strap, secured to the wrist by a polished platinum ardillon buckle. The strap’s rich texture complements the warm tones of the carnelian dial, enhancing the overall elegance of the timepiece. This is a limited edition of 200 numbered pieces, presented in a special lacquered wooden box.
For more up to date information visit the official Cartier website here.
