119
Cartier
Ref. WGSA0036
Santos Dumont XL “La Demoiselle”
A very rare and collectable platinum rectangular wristwatch, numbered 24 of a limited edition of 30 pieces, with cufflinks, additional strap, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Numbered 24 out of 30
• Complete collectors set, with matching cufflinks, made to celebrate Alberto Santos-Dumont and his aircraft, “La Demoiselle"
• Hidden Cartier signature in the “VII” has been replaced by “Santos”
A poetic tribute to one of aviation’s earliest pioneers, the present Santos-Dumont “La Demoiselle” celebrates the inventive spirit and refined elegance of Alberto Santos-Dumont, whose eponymous aircraft of 1907 remains one of the lightest and most graceful flying machines ever conceived.
The dial is where the narrative truly unfolds. Departing from conventional aesthetics, it features a woven motif inspired by Santos-Dumont’s iconic Panama hat, an element associated with the aviator’s personal style. This textured surface interacts beautifully with light, creating depth and warmth, while maintaining the refined restraint synonymous with Cartier. The elongated Roman numerals, chemin de fer minute track, and blued steel hands preserve the Maison’s unmistakable visual language.
Powering the watch is a manually wound mechanical movement, in keeping with the purity and elegance of the Santos-Dumont tradition. The piece is paired with a strap that echoes the dial’s woven texture, further reinforcing the cohesive design narrative.
Offered in like-new condition and accompanied by its full set of accessories, including matching cufflinks, the present Santos-Dumont “La Demoiselle” stands as a rare and evocative creation—weaving together Cartier’s storied heritage with a design that is both deeply personal and artistically expressive. Numbered 24 of only 30 examples produced, it represents a highly collectible modern interpretation of the Santos Dumont.
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.