WatchProSite 25: Community Discussion & Ideas

TeutonicCarFan · 2024-05-03T00:28:22Z

Explore a collector's dream: a Cartier Santos-Dumont special edition for WatchProSite. Dive into design ideas and the complex logistics of a community watch project.

TeutonicCarFan

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies2434 views4 photos

TeutonicCarFan, a long-time member of the WatchProSite community, sparks an engaging discussion by proposing a unique Cartier Santos-Dumont special edition for WPS. His vision, centered on a polished platinum case with a clear lacquer finish and a distinctive dial, invites fellow collectors to explore the intricate balance between aesthetic innovation and the practicalities of a collaborative watch project. This article delves into the community's response, dissecting the feasibility and design considerations of such a horological endeavor.

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OK here is an idea I have had for last 2 years since the new santos-dumont releases with lacquer finish. Thinking of a special WPS edition, cartier comes to mind because they have made special editions for different sites/watch groups. This would be the 30k range watch.

From revolution watch.com

I think polished platinum is so beautiful, it becomes so vibrant and shiny. My only hangup is that it often gets marred or scuffed easily. So here is my idea - a polished platinum santos-dumont (like the green one as an example), but no colored lacquer, but CLEAR lacquer. This would allow the finish to remain very vibrant. It would still be a dress watch, not hardened for sport or anything, but in the casual wearing with wool sweater or starched shirts, etc it hopefully would not get marred.

1) CASE - santos-dumont specification, polished platinum with clear lacquer coating.

Now the dial, I have had many thoughts here. First is just to take the rose gold guilloche dial from the S-D xl limited edition 2021. I like the inner guilloche, the applied numerals and sword hands. Can pick a color for hands and numerals. Either plated WG or blued. Another idea is to adapt the new tank American dial released on 2024....

if we wanted to get really special, try to go with something like this stone lapis lazuli dial with applied WG numerals and hands 🤤

2) DIAL- dreaming - lapis lazuli. More realistic use the S-D XL from 2021 or the 2024 release tank americane

From monochrome-watches.com

From mrwatchley.com

From fratellowatches.com

3) I prefer applied breguet or stylized numerals, although on the tank style dial I like the Roman's 🤷‍♂️. Hands I like sword style matching the numerals. Maybe even an evacuated sword style like the pasha?

4) carbochan - generally red for platinum , may not go with dial color? If lapis dial would be ridiculous to have lapis in crown. Or diamond? Or standard red.

5) limitation - I think special case back with individual numbering. With closed case could have design or message? Maybe initials and limitation number. In a dream scenario if there were 12 editions, have each edition number with an off color Arabic on the dial to indicate the edition 👌

Now, say they can't do the polished platinum with clear lacquer. Maybe a vertical brushed platinum case and bezel santos-dumont, with the tank American style dial above. That would be sharp. Edit- I should add, for strap either maroon red or blue for lapis lazuli dial. Would be fun to have maybe alligator and a nubuck. Plt pin buckle.

Key Points from the Discussion

Cartier has a history of creating small-run special editions for various collector groups and watch sites, making a WPS collaboration a reasonable, albeit complex, possibility.
The business and logistical aspects of a special edition project are highly complex, involving contractual requirements, delivery mechanisms, customer service, and significant financial risk exposure for the organizing entity like WPS.
WPS has a policy of not shouldering the financial aspects of such projects, and a manufacturer like Cartier would likely require a commitment to a set number of watches before a final concept is even shown, making pre-selling without a concept challenging.
While Cartier does produce unique pieces and small edition sets for themselves, this does not automatically guarantee they would do the same for an external group like WPS, especially for a design that might not align with their broader marketing strategy.
A watch at the 30,000 USD/EUR/CHF price point might be too high for a WPS special edition, as the community aims to attract a broader range of collectors, including younger, technically inclined enthusiasts who might prefer a more accessible price point with a focus on technical movements.
The idea of a clear lacquer coating on polished platinum for durability and aesthetic vibrancy is a novel concept that could differentiate a special edition, addressing the common issue of platinum's susceptibility to scuffs.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

May 3, 2024

Frankly....

That's a rather great idea!

TeutonicCarFan

May 3, 2024

👍

To me a fun idea. I know no one at cartier or how these things come about. Maybe cpt (subforum moderator) has some connections. I'm happy to bother people as well 🤣

hora12reborn

May 3, 2024

+1 Will have to start saving already😄

patrick_y

May 3, 2024

No bad ideas here...

But... There is a lot of risk here, the business side is complex. The delivery side is complex as well, are they all delivered from one boutique at one location at a centralized event? Who services the customer? The local boutique or authorized dealer? Etc. I'd also say the pricing is a little on the high side - here on WPS, the reality is that we are a group that has a readership amongst the more high end collectors, but we want to encourage knowledge hungry and technically inclined younger col

TeutonicCarFan

May 3, 2024

Not sure these answers!

As there are many other wps editions I guess it would be the same as those? I imagine any cartier AD or boutique can manage after sales service. As for price, I agree 30k is a lot, however, I was responding to a post by nico asking for examples at the 10k and 30k range. Recently editions have become fairly prominent - wps, revolution, Singapore watch club, a collected man, etc etc. So I believe there is logistical support. Additionally if we are to presell then it minimizes risk. The question wo

patrick_y

May 3, 2024

It's not quite as simple as you assume...

Presell? WPS would have to commit to a set number by the manufacture before we have a concept shown. And we can't pre-sell without a concept - unless you think you'd give WPS 30K of your money carte blanche! Thus, no risk is minimized. Sadly, things aren't as simple as you initially assumed. Not sure what you mean by your last sentence; Cartier doing unique pieces and 3-4 edition sets for themselves is one ting, does not necessarily mean they'll do it for someone else. I appreciate your enthusia

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