Cartier Santos Dumont 1913 - 100th anniversary - Ref. 2697 - Limited Edition 100 pcs
The Watch
Few watches carry the historical weight of the Cartier Santos Dumont. Reference to aviation’s earliest days is woven into every line of the design, and the Santos Dumont 1913 edition stands as one of the purest tributes to that legacy. Produced as part of the revered Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP), this limited edition of just 100 pieces faithfully recreates one of the earliest evolutions of the Santos Dumont while preserving the elegance and restraint that defines Cartier watchmaking.
The case is executed in 18k yellow gold and measures a perfectly balanced 24 mm by 34.5 mm, staying true to the proportions of the original 1913 model. Its softly inclined lugs and rounded edges allow the watch to sit effortlessly on the wrist, while the brushed gold case contrasts beautifully with the polished bezel. One particularly charming detail lies in the subtly bevelled edges of the crystal, a nuance seldom seen across Cartier’s wider catalogue yet one that adds remarkable refinement to the overall design.
The dial follows the classical Cartier formula with elongated Roman numerals stretching gracefully across a silvered backdrop. Fine blued Breguet-style hands provide a striking contrast while echoing the deep blue cabochon set within the delicately beaded crown. Beneath twelve o’clock, the proud “Cartier Paris” signature reminds us of the maison’s origins and of the careful attention that defined the CPCP era.
True to the historical model it honours, this Santos Dumont 1913 was produced in extremely limited numbers. Only 100 pieces were created, with the individual limitation engraved on the caseback, making it one of the rarest interpretations of the Santos Dumont produced in the modern era.
The Movement
Powering the Santos Dumont 1913 is the manually wound Cartier calibre 9780MC. During the Collection Privée Cartier Paris period, Cartier returned to traditional watchmaking principles, favouring elegant mechanical movements that reflected the spirit of the brand’s early creations. Slim, reliable and perfectly suited to a design-led watch such as the Santos Dumont, the calibre 9780MC allows the case to maintain its refined proportions while providing dependable daily performance.
How It Wears
With its compact dimensions and elegant square profile, the Santos Dumont 1913 wears exactly as a classic Cartier should. The case sits flat against the wrist, while the gently curved lugs ensure exceptional comfort despite the watch’s vintage proportions. Rather than commanding attention through size, it captivates through balance and refinement — a watch whose presence is unmistakable to those familiar with Cartier’s design language.
Condition & set
This example is presented in great overall condition. The watch is accompanied by its original CPCP presentation box and retains its original specially designed Cartier folding buckle. In keeping with the construction of the historic Santos Dumont models, the buckle is not adjustable and requires a strap to be custom made for the new owner’s wrist — a thoughtful nod to the original early Santos Dumont buckles used during the period.
Origin
The origins of the Cartier Santos Dumont trace back to one of the most remarkable friendships in watchmaking history. Alberto Santos Dumont, the pioneering aviator for whom the collection is named, required a practical way to read the time while piloting his aircraft. Pocket watches, the standard of the era, were impractical with both hands fixed on the controls. Santos Dumont turned to his friend Louis Cartier with a request — to design a watch that could be worn on the wrist.
The result, created in 1904, is widely regarded as the first modern wristwatch designed specifically for men. Santos Dumont would go on to make history on October 23rd, 1906, when he achieved the first officially recognised powered flight in Europe before a crowd outside Paris. His aircraft travelled 60 metres through the air, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history.
The Santos watch soon became a symbol of modernity and innovation. By 1911, Cartier began producing the model commercially, incorporating precision movements sourced from leading Swiss watchmakers. The Santos Dumont 1913 edition revisits one of the earliest forms of this pioneering watch.
Released as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris between 1998 and 2008, the 1913 re-edition celebrates Cartier’s watchmaking heritage with extraordinary faithfulness to the original design. Limited to only 100 pieces, it remains one of the most sought-after interpretations of the Santos Dumont and a remarkable tribute to the watch that helped define the wristwatch as we know it today.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium
No stock kept on site
| Reference | 2697 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual |
| Caliber | Cartier 9780MC |
| Dial | White |
| Size (Case) | 24 mm x 34,5 mm |
| Material (Case) | Yellow gold |
| Bracelet | Mr Watchley strap |
| Buckle | Original Cartier 1913 buckle |
| Condition | very good |
| Year | 2004 |
| Papers | - |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |