Review
SJX presents the second in a series of owner interviews, featuring CS Tan and his Cartier Santos Dumont Skeleton in white gold. This article offers a personal perspective on the watch's appeal, design, and the unique experience of ownership, following a previous interview with fellow collector samwan.
A few weeks ago I posted an interview with samwan, a sophisticated collector well known on this forum, who also happens to own the Santos Dumont Skeleton in white gold. As I mentioned in that post, that will be the first in a series of owner interviews.
The Santos Dumont on CS' wrist
The second Santos Dumont skeleton owner interview features CS Tan, who is located in Singapore. CS bought his watch in early 2011 and posted the purchase on the forum shortly after.
CS answers the exact same set of questions as Sam Wan. There are many similarities in the two interviews, CS also first saw the Santos Dumont Skeleton at a Cartier dinner for instance, but also subtle differences.
- SJX
Why did you decide to buy this watch?
I was captivated by the design of the watch the moment I saw it at a Cartier [Fine Watchmaking] dinner and put it on my wrist. It was literally love at first sight. I had neither a skeleton watch nor a square cased watch in my small collection, so I convinced myself that I just needed to own it.
What is its greatest appeal?
The clever use of the base plate and bridges of the movement to form the Roman numeral indices on the dial (Editor’s note: this has been patented by Cartier), while preserving the integrity of the Santos design. In short, the overall aesthetics of the dial attracted me.
What is its biggest shortcoming?
A major shortcoming to me is that so far, I have not seen any photo that could do justice to the visual attractiveness and appeal of the actual watch. No offence to fellow collectors with excellent photography skills, including SJX. In addition, while I like the mirror polish of the bezel, it also easily attracts scratches.
What were the alternatives or competitors when you made your purchase?
I did not compare the Santos-Dumont skeleton to any other watch when I decided to buy it. It shouted out to me, and there was no alternative. Well, actually there was one – the Santos 100 skeleton [in palladium], which was too chunky for my wrist.
What made you choose the Cartier over the alternatives?
Can I respond with "not applicable"? I really did not consider any alternative, and it fits well into my collection in terms of diversity.
What are your other favourite watches from the Cartier Fine Watchmaking range?
I like the Rotonde Astrotourbillon and Calibre de Cartier Multi Time Zone, but they are a tad big for my wrist.
What would you like to see from Cartier Fine Watchmaking in the future?
I am still looking to acquire a simple time-only watch with a nice enamel dial, so I would look forward to such an offering from Cartier.
Thank you!
The Cartier Santos 100 was introduced in 2004 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Santos-Dumont watch. It represents a contemporary interpretation of the historic pilot's watch, featuring a larger and more robust case design compared to its predecessors. This model positioned itself as a sportier, more modern offering within the Santos collection, appealing to collectors seeking a bolder presence on the wrist while retaining the iconic square aesthetic.
The Santos 100 typically features a stainless steel or precious metal case, often with a brushed finish and polished bezel screws. Case dimensions vary, but common sizes include a large model around 51mm x 41mm. It is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, often a modified ETA caliber, providing reliable timekeeping. The crystal is usually sapphire, and water resistance is generally rated for daily wear.
For collectors, the Santos 100 is notable for its blend of heritage design with modern proportions and construction. It marked a significant update to the Santos line, moving towards a more substantial and contemporary aesthetic. Its robust build and versatile design made it a popular choice, bridging the gap between Cartier's dressier offerings and more overtly sporty watches.
it is growing on me despite the size and the fact it has no historic DNA as such, something I'm looking for in the brand but is no longer case and with the large steamship boiler room gauges type sized timepieces most of the new stuff seems to be. thanks Roni
Skeletonised Roman numerals were used in vintage wrist and pocket watches. The grande complication pocket watch remakes that look, while the Santos skeleton reinterprets it. But more importantly I feel the Santos skeleton is the classic of tomorrow. It is already one of the most successful of the Fine Watchmaking range, and it is also recognised as one of the quintessential pieces of the line. - SJX
The architecture of the dial is absolutely one of the most mesmerizing on the market today. I think this watch presents better in person than in pictures. There are times when pictures of the watch make the dial design seem muddled, but in person it is strong, unique and a sharp watch. Thanks for the great post, SJX! Cheers, Daos
No message body This message has been edited by hans_jorgen_1968 on 2012-01-09 03:15:09
Congrats! Do share photos. - SJX This message has been edited by SJX on 2012-01-09 07:04:14
I'll update you once I get it... :P In the midst of clearing some of my current pieces before I can remove my 'self-imposed horological celibacy' for this year.
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