Custom Engraving on a Cartier Santos: A Personal Statement

Key Points from the Discussion

• The engraving is deeply personal, akin to a tattoo, and represents the author's heritage from Taiwan's indigenous people, though the author is not of indigenous descent. The collaborative process with the engraver was a significant part of the enjoyment.
• Custom engraving on a watch like the Cartier Santos is a compelling idea, with one member considering a similar project for a 36mm Oyster Perpetual and referencing engravers like King Nerd who have worked with brands such as Urwerk.
• While customization might be considered 'blasphemy' for some watches, the Cartier Santos, with its historical connection to jewelry and design, is particularly well-suited for such personalization, prompting a discussion on which watches are appropriate for customization.
• The engraving is seen as a fitting interpretation for a 'jeweler's watch' like the Cartier Santos, evolving from initial skepticism to strong appreciation.
• The style of engraving, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian art, aligns with design elements found in Cartier products from the 1920s, highlighting a historical precedent for decorative motifs on Cartier timepieces.