Rediscovering Heritage
Cartier presents a collection that spans the full breadth of what exceptional watchmaking looks like in 2026.
The star of the Santos-Dumont novelties is the gilded obsidian dial. This volcanic stone from Mexico owes its iridescent reflections to tiny air bubbles trapped within the material, and, at just 0.3 mm in depth, it pushes gem-cutting to its absolute limits. Alongside the obsidian version, Cartier also introduces silvered, satin-finish dials with a sunray effect on the periphery, available in yellow gold and platinum. At the heart of the watch sits calibre 430 MC, a hand-wound mechanical manufacture movement measuring 43.5 x 31.4 mm and just 7.3 mm thick. Its slim profile is essential to the flat, elegant wearing experience demanded by the Santos-Dumont. The bracelet is equally extraordinary: inspired by the first made-to-measure bracelets of the 1920s, it comprises 394 individual yellow-gold links, each 1.15 mm thick, arranged in 15 rows per section. The square yellow-gold case retains the signature exposed screws, Roman numerals and blue cabochon crown, all faithful to the 1904 original.
CÔTES DE GENÈVE FINISHING
The Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir houses the Manufacture 1928 MC movement, measuring 4.30 mm, making it the thinnest chronograph movement in Cartier’s catalogue.
THE HISTORY OF THE CRASH
The model is now iconic, yet collectors are hesitant to see it altered.
THE TANK NORMALE
The Tank Normale, echoing a 1934 reference, features a brushed platinum case and a seven-row platinum bracelet, with polished edges creating a deliberate contrast in surface finish. All three share silvered opaline dials with burgundy accents and ruby cabochon crowns.
2026: ONE OF ITS FINEST EXHIBITIONS
Taken together, Cartier’s presentation makes a compelling case: this is a Maison that treats every surface- dial, bridge and bracelet link – as a canvas.
