The Cartier Santos-Dumont Micro-Rotor (ref. WHSA0032) fuses architectural minimalism with mechanical innovation in a refined steel form. Distinguished by its skeletonised dial and signature exposed screws, this contemporary update honouring the original Santos – one of the earliest men’s wristwatches – captures both heritage and modernity in sharp relief.

Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, the watch is defined by its openworked dial, which doubles as the movement bridge and forms the shape of a stylised Roman numeral “VIII”. Powered by the ultra-thin calibre 9629 MC, developed specifically for this model, it features a platinum micro-rotor decorated with Alberto Santos-Dumont’s initials. The manual construction offers a 44-hour power reserve. Water-resistant to 30m, the case is topped with a beaded crown set with a blue cabochon – a Cartier signature – while the crisp geometry of the case remains true to the lineage first introduced in 1904.

As the first skeletonised Santos-Dumont with a micro-rotor, ref. WHSA0032 marks a technical milestone within the collection, combining Cartier’s design language with genuine horological interest. Its measured dimensions and transparent architecture make it a collector’s standout in modern Cartier watchmaking.