Timeout
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Santos Dumont XL in RG
A “Must de Cartier” Tank was my first purchased real watch in the early ‘80’s. It died a death in the 90’s - humidity got to the dial and quartz movement. I tried a Tank Solo for a while - but for some reason the steel back and quartz movement bothered me way more than it should have, so it found its way to my son as his “go to” dress watch.
Over the last 10 years I’ve been struggling to find a Cartier to add to my collection - too large, too small, too narrow - the excuses were endless. I really wanted to love the Tank LC a few years back - too small for my more modern sensibilities. Then the Tank Cintree in platinum - too delicate.
For some reason I hadn’t paid attention to the Santos Dumont - until earlier this year. The rose gold and silver dial - together with the grey strap jumped out of the display case and caught my eye. A simple “two hander” is always a versatile option so I couldn’t be happier with the choice. While the Tank gets the brand kudos, it’s interesting that the Santos Dumont came first - in terms of men’s wristwatch and a pilot’s watch at that.
The Cartier branded, Piaget ultra-thin calibre 430p is beating away at 3 Hz - hidden away behind the rose gold case back. It’s quite a beauty in its own right - and knowing it’s there makes it all the more pleasurable to wear - although I’ll never likely get to see it. With its 38 hour power reserve the good news it that it only takes about 5 turns of the crown to fully wind 🤣. 
Santos Dumont XL in RG
It’s a classic.
It's a beautiful design! I like the design!
Many thanks.
Very nice addition
It’s been like going to a restaurant where there are too many choices on the menu.
With no complications all the focus is on the classic Cartier dial.
What a wonderful beauty! From my point of view, the Santos line gets the kudos.