Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

2 1 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A lbert Santos Dumont is a celebrated figurehead of modern aeronautic engineering. He not only piloted the first hot-air balloon flights in 1897, he also invented the predecessor of the aeroplane, La Demoiselle, and designed no less than 22 other flying machines, from the airship to the helicopter, monoplane and biplane. Dumont was a way ahead of his time in so many respects—pre- empting today’s open source model, he made his drawings available to other aviators in the interests of research and his numerous drawings and designs were of great service to engineers. When Dumont met Cartier, history was in the making. According to Cartier, Dumont met Louis Cartier in 1900 and their ensuing friendship was a catalyst for progress. In 1901, the aviator complained of his difficulty checking the time on his pocket watch while flying. Three years later Louis Cartier revolutionised watchmaking by inventing the first purpose-designed modern wristwatch for Santos-Dumont. “Created in 1904, the wristwatch was the product of experimentation by two visionaries and friends, Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos Dumont. Their respective discoveries and projects were inspired by movement. They were to dictate new behaviours and a relationship with the time that ushered in the modern age.” The new Santos de Cartier watch is a transformation of a watchmaking classic. The new timepieces perpetuate that same spirit, style and hunger for progress. The calibre 1847 MC features anti-magnetic nickel phosphorus components in the escapement and movement mechanisms, as well as a shield made from a paramagnetic alloy, rendering the calibre effectively resistant to the powerful magnetic fields a watch may be exposed to in everyday life. The original strap of the Santos de Cartier was in leather, but the evolution continues and sees a range of available options, including steel, gold, calfskin or alligator skin, and all versions are interchangeable thanks to the Cartier QuickSwitch system hidden under the strap. This concealed mechanism blends into the structure of the case and, to activate the system, the wearer simply presses the mechanism. Another cutting-edge feature is the SmartLink self- fitting technology, which adjusts the length of the metal bracelet to the nearest link without the use of a tool. At the touch of a button located on each SmartLink, the attachment bar is unlatched and one of the brushed metal links with screws can be added or removed from the watch. The rejuvenation of this iconic piece is warmly welcomed by those who love classic timepieces with unwavering appeal. The rounded square design and screw-set bezel distinguish it immediately, and there are now two sizes: medium and large, with a date display on the large model only. It’s available in pink gold, yellow gold, and two-tone steel and yellow gold. There is also a stainless steel version and an eye-catching large skeletonised version. At the heart of the icon is the 1847MC automatic calibre with a 42-hour power reserve. In updating this timepiece, the Cartier design studios have honed in on comfort, intelligent proportions and respect for the Santos aesthetic. CartierSantosCollection