Cartier Santos Dumont 1913 Limited edition CPCP ref 2697 in 18 yellow gold Paris dial

Widely considered one of the most iconic timepieces ever made, the Cartier Santos is the watch we can thank for shaping the modern horological landscape. Created in 1904 as the first pilot’s watch—and therefore the first true tool watch—the Santos has been pushing boundaries ever since it first adorned the wrist of pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. As the story goes, Santos-Dumont asked Louis Cartier for a wrist-worn timepiece he could use while flying, as juggling a pocket watch mid-flight was far from ideal.

 

The Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913 ref. 2697 featured here is a tribute to those early years of the model and belongs to Cartier’s esteemed Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP). Launched in 1998, CPCP represented Cartier’s decisive move beyond the quartz era, refocusing on high-end mechanical watchmaking with an emphasis on refined finishing, more robust masculine designs, and the brand’s historical roots.

 

Produced in a limited edition of just 100 pieces, the ref. 2697 embodies the strict standards CPCP set for itself—featuring an lovely finished mechanical movement, a meticulously crafted case, and a design that thoughtfully honors the Santos-Dumont’s heritage.

 

This example is crafted in 18k yellow gold and measures 25 × 34 mm, with the typical Cartier blue cabochon crown. Unlike the standard Santos-Dumont we typically associate with the maison, the 1913 variant showcases a thicker case paired with rounded lugs that sweep seamlessly from the mid-case and taper elegantly into the leather strap.

 

The signature Cartier black Roman numerals are painted on a silver backdrop and paired with fine blued Breguet hands.

 

Powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre–derived manual-wind cal. 9780MC, this fine Cartier has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is fitted with the photographed leather strap and an 18k gold Cartier folding clasp.

 

With only 100 pieces ever produced, opportunities like this are rare—reach out to reserve it !

 

Specifications:

 

• Cartier Santos Dumont 1913 Limited edition CPCP ref 2697

• No 1x/ 100

• Yellow 18 k gold case measures 25 x34 mm

• Silver dial with black Roman numerals PARIS signed

• Blued hands and sapphire cabochon crown

• Cal9780MC manual wind movement

• Leather strap with 18 k gold Cartier folding buckle

• Dating to ca. 2004

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty