BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
For Cartier, SIHH 2019 primarily revolved around the Santos collection. Coming out of a major overhaul last year Cartier looked quite keen on expanding the sports watch collection further. On one hand, the brand added a new chronograph to the collection while on the other hand, the brand showcased its willingness to break free of its traditional roots in order to create something unique like the new Santos de Cartier Skeleton ADLC “Noctambule”. Featuring a Fully skeletonized dial and a DLC case this is the Santos like you have never imagined before.
A well-executed Skeletonized dial is comparable to a great piece of art and the fully skeletonized dial of the Noctambule can easily be considered as a good example. Without having a dial the base plate of the movement has been thoughtfully carved to reveal bold Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 tying the watch with the rest of the Santos collection. The entire Skeletonized framework along with sword handset has also been heavily painted with luminous material to make this watch glow like a torch in the dark, giving the watch its name, “Noctambule”.
Featuring a rounded square shape with a unique bezel with inset screws, the case bears the signature Santos look. But what makes this case really special is the amorphous diamond-like carbon coating which provides a nice contrast to the skeletonized movement and also gives the watch a dark and stealthy character. Similar to all other Santos watches, the Noctambule also features the quick switch strap removal mechanism which makes strap changing a breeze with the help of a release button on the back of the lugs. Powering the watch is the brands in-house manually wound caliber 9612 which provides a healthy power reserve of around 72 hours with the help of two barrels.
The Santos de Cartier Skeleton ADLC “Noctambule” is a daring effort which exemplifies the brand’s creative side and gives a futuristic perspective to an existing classic collection. The watch would retail at a price of CHF 26,500 and would be accompanied with only two alligator straps in black and grey. Visit Cartier here.
