Cartier

SJX
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Cartier Santos Dumont skeleton owner interview no. 1 - samwan

The Santos skeleton watches from the Fine Watchmaking collection are amongst the bestsellers of the range. On this forum the Santos Dumont skeleton in white gold has proven especially popular with several owners here, including Sam Wan, who posted his watch some time ago. I’ve decided to do a short series of owner interviews on this specific watch with the same set of questions presented to each owner. They will be posted over a period of time with the first owner being Sam.

- SJX

All photos courtesy samwan 

Why did you decide to buy this watch?

Sam Wan (SW): I wanted to buy a new timepiece for my son’s wedding banquet earlier this year in March. Because of the formal occasion, it had to be a watch in white gold or platinum. The Santos Dumont caught my attention when I attended a Cartier dinner – it was the only piece that sang to me that evening and I could not remove it from my mind for months afterward.

Anna, one of the dinner organizers, helping Sam try on the watches

I must confess I already had a couple of wedding watch options in my collection already: Moser & Cie Monard in platinum, Lange Datograph Perpetual in white gold, VC Toledo 1952 in white gold, Romain Gauthier Prestige in white gold but somehow a new piece would feel psychologically more comfortable. At least that was the excuse I gave my wife.

What is its greatest appeal?

SW: The skeletonised dial, simplicity of the movement and – though some may not agree with me – subtlety of the watch for going with the tuxedo.

What is its biggest shortcoming?

SW: The case is a bit thick for a dress watch, compared to, say, the Langematik Perpetual, FP Journe watches and most Pateks. Also, it is quite dressy so I haven’t gotten to wear it often after the event.

What were the alternatives or competitors when you made your purchase?

SW: Ideally, I wanted a time-only watch. The other option was a Piaget Emperador Tourbillon with no diamonds.

What made you chose the Cartier over the alternatives?

SW: I could only get the Piaget in the secondary market assuming I wanted it at the same price range as the Cartier, and I missed that chance in an earlier auction.

What are your other favourite watches from the Cartier Fine Watchmaking range?

SW: Rotonde Jour et Nuit [from the Collection Privee Cartier Paris] in rose gold, a piece I acquired via another auction, and a Santos in YG that I passed on to my daughter.

What would you like to see from Cartier Fine Watchmaking in the future?

SW: I like the classic and vintage Cartier designs, especially during the Art Deco era. So, if they could come up with some re-editions.

Thank you!

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