The Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton Ref. CRW2020052 stands out in its XL titanium ADLC case, with Roman numeral-shaped skeleton bridges.
A Revolutionary Interpretation of the Santos-Dumont Icon
The Santos-Dumont Skeleton CRW2020052 brings a bold, contemporary evolution to one of Cartier’s most historic designs. Presented in the XL case, this modern reinterpretation of the legendary Santos aesthetic blends architectural precision with ultra-light materials. The squared geometry remains true to the spirit of aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, while introducing a striking skeletonized movement that transforms the watch into a wearable piece of mechanical art.
Hand-Wound Caliber 9612 MC – A Technical Sculpture
At the heart of this extraordinary timepiece is the manual-winding mechanical movement, Caliber 9612 MC, meticulously crafted with 138 components and 20 jewels. This movement is not merely a mechanism—it forms the very structure of the dial. As a skeletonized caliber, it reveals its inner workings in a dramatic, open-worked display, allowing the wearer to admire the gears, balance, and bridges from both sides of the watch.
Titanium Case With ADLC Coating for Lightweight Strength
The watch features a refined titanium case with ADLC coating, offering exceptional scratch resistance, deep black tones, and an ultra-light feel on the wrist. The use of titanium brings a modern, technical character, while the ADLC finish enhances durability and adds stealth-like sophistication. In the XL format, the case maintains presence yet remains surprisingly wearable due to its lightweight construction.
Signature Cartier Crown With Faceted Black Spinel
The crown is sculpted in Cartier’s emblematic faceted style and is set with a black faceted spinel, maintaining the house’s tradition of subtle gemstone elegance. This detail provides a touch of refined luxury and echoes the dark tones of the ADLC-coated case, reinforcing the watch's dramatic monochromatic aesthetic.
Bridges That Form Roman Numerals – A Cartier Innovation
One of the most extraordinary elements of this watch is the way the skeletonized bridges form the Roman numerals on the dial. This technique—an iconic Cartier signature—turns the movement itself into a display of artistry. The numerals appear carved into the very architecture of the caliber, offering depth, symmetry, and unmistakable identity.
Sword-Shaped Hands in Rhodium-Plated Brass
The dial features sword-shaped hands crafted in rhodium-plated brass, offering luminous metallic contrast against the transparency of the skeleton movement. Their polished finish enhances legibility while maintaining complete harmony with the technical, open-worked aesthetic of the watch.
Luxurious Black Alligator Leather Strap
The piece is paired with a black alligator leather strap, a hallmark of Cartier elegance. The supple texture and polished finish bring balance to the technical character of the case, creating a refined interplay between modern materials and timeless luxury. The strap is secured with a double adjustable folding clasp in 18K white gold with ADLC coating, combining strength, sophistication, and comfort.
Finely Crafted Movement Dimensions & Precision
The manually wound Caliber 9612 MC measures 28.60 x 28.60 mm, with a height of only 3.97 mm, demonstrating Cartier’s remarkable ability to blend thinness with structural integrity. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement delivers exceptional accuracy while offering an impressive 72-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.
Sapphire Crystal Case Back and Exceptional Finishing
A sapphire crystal case back reveals the reverse side of the skeletonized movement, highlighting the finishing techniques used in its assembly. From the brushed surfaces to the intricately shaped bridges, every detail reflects Cartier’s dedication to mechanical beauty. The movement is individually numbered, underscoring the exclusivity and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Refined Thinness and Everyday Reliability
With a case height of 9.40 mm and 30-meter water resistance, the watch balances elegance with practical durability. The combination of titanium, ADLC coating, skeletonized architecture, and hand-wound movement makes the Santos-Dumont Skeleton Ref. W2020052 a triumph of modern horology—lightweight, expressive, architectural, and unmistakably Cartier. It stands as a masterpiece for collectors who appreciate technical innovation blended with timeless design.
For personalized assistance, contact our specialist at +1 917 463 4319. Let Cartier and Jewels By Love help you elevate your collection with a timepiece that embodies timeless prestige and elegance.
| Brand | Cartier |
|---|---|
| Winding | Hand-wound mechanical movement (Caliber 9612 MC) |
| Case Length (mm) | 46–48 |
| Case Back Material | Sapphire crystal + Titanium with ADLC |
| Exhibition Back | Yes, transparent sapphire case back |
| Case Metal | Titanium with ADLC coating |
| Case Thickness (mm) | 9.40 |
| Case Shape | (Santos signature) |
Individually handcrafted Cartier watches are among the most coveted watches in the world. The Cartier brand is one of the most prestigious luxury goods brands in the world and is most widely recognized as a maker of fine watches along with their iconic jewelry. The brand was founded in 1847 by the French jeweller Louis-François Cartier. Since then, Cartier has turned into one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world. The Cartier watch collection features a wide range of styles, from classic watches with a vintage design to modern watches with a sleek design suitable for both women and men. All Cartier watches are designed to withstand daily wear and tear and are made with some of the most exquisite materials available in the watch industry, such as titanium, ADLC, PVD, 18-karat rose gold, pink gold, white gold with ofcourse stainless steel.
