Comments:
Got the call . . . but kindly declined . . .
This was one of three Santos-Dumont XL pieces that were released ‘under the radar’ during this year’s Watches and Wonders:
I was especially attracted to the Breguet-styled hands:
These are limited editions pieces with 200 for each edition:
When I spoke with the local boutique, I learned a new term: ‘application piece.’ The boutique had to submit an application on my behalf advocating for the piece:
I made sure to clarify that I didn’t care that these are LEs. I also expressed concern not be able to see one in the flesh until now. Finally, I told them I’m primarily a stainless steel collector. Fortunately, we were aligned before they submitted the application.
These were all precious metals: yellow gold, platinum, and rose gold. Each one of these featured Roman numerals on the dial cut directly dumortierite, jasper, and jade, respectively:
I was especially attracted to the Breguet-styled hands:
These are limited editions pieces with 200 for each edition:
When I spoke with the local boutique, I learned a new term: ‘application piece.’ The boutique had to submit an application on my behalf advocating for the piece:
I made sure to clarify that I didn’t care that these are LEs. I also expressed concern not be able to see one in the flesh until now. Finally, I told them I’m primarily a stainless steel collector. Fortunately, we were aligned before they submitted the application.
Don’t get me wrong, I really like this. But deep down inside, I wished it was stainless steel with blued hands.
Note: I only saws these mentioned on Fratello’s and Hodinkee’s sites. These are still not on Cartier’s site (not my wrist shot):
These are really nice…
but isn’t there already the available steel Santos Dumont XL, which is regular production? It’s not exactly the same, but is this not to your liking?
Source: Cartier website
Source: Cartier website
At first glance I'd guess that these were fake. Kinda neat I've really liked stone stuff these days
I was really tempted by that one.
I just wished the hands were a different color to provide some contrast against the dial.
Apart from the nice hands, these models don"t do anything for me.
The roman numerals are too bold and less refined than the regular models.
I think the best limited santos dumont are the 2018 issues (the ones with classic plane engraved on the caseback).
I think the best limited santos dumont are the 2018 issues (the ones with classic plane engraved on the caseback).
The Roman numbers on the blue looked incomplete.
That’s what crossed my mind when I saw it. Less refined is probably a better way to describe it.
Wow….Cartier “bestow” this to you and you decline!?!? 😱🤪
They submitted your apllication even you didn’t ask for it??
My AD can’t even get these….i did ask to out my name on the Santos Dumont skeleton YG, Tank Normale Pt and or YG and in the end, got allocated the 3rd option, sigh.
Like yourself, I declined because I felt it is too rich, smallish in size and movement is sub-par. Also I have to pay in full without an estimated delivery time which is not favorable.
I did request the yellow gold piece, Raymond.
But I expressed my hesitation with PM with the boutique. I was trying to convince myself that I need a PM dress watch. If this was in white gold with blued hands, then it may have been a possibility. I should have listened to my gut. Lesson learned . . .
I seriously start to get tired of their so called prestigious, exclusive ( or whatever you want to call it ) but fake strategy.
Come on, 200 pieces each, application piece... Is that THIS rare that they need to go for an application before allocation?
They can keep it. Merci.
Best,
Nicolas
And why did Cartier try to keep these under wraps, mon ami?
The sales associates had no idea what I was referring to when I requested the piece. I had to send them a text with the articles. Then, the had to make calls to confirm these pieces existed.
This one would leave me cold - the numerals seem to be blurry
No doubt it is a technical tour de force to cut such thin numerals out of stone though
Especially, the blue Roman numbers looked blurry or unrefined as hoseachandra stated.
Good call. Unfortunately none of these would be my choice of a Santos
I love the Santos look, but these ones seem a bit off in comparison to other versions.
I wish you good luck in your search.
I am sure there is "that one" out there for you.
I ended up getting a SS/YG combi Santos in a large size. I love that unmistakeable Cartier look.
I ended up getting a SS/YG combi Santos in a large size. I love that unmistakeable Cartier look.
My choice was a used that is currently no longer in production.