Cartier Santos de Cartier Skeleton Dial 39.7mm Yellow Gold

The Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WHSA0042 represents horological transparency through its bold 39.7mm solid 18k yellow gold construction with extraordinary skeleton dial revealing the intricate manual-winding movement creating mechanical artistry. This exceptional timepiece embodies Cartier's mastery of skeletonization transforming the iconic Santos design into wearable sculpture where every component serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The 39.7mm yellow gold case with distinctive squared shape and exposed screws delivers substantial presence while the skeleton dial showcases Roman numeral hour markers floating against the movement bridges. The Santos collection dating to 1904 represents one of watchmaking's first purpose-built wristwatches commissioned by Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.

The manual-winding skeleton movement powers this artistic timepiece operating through Cartier's specialized architecture where traditional plates have been extensively pierced and decorated to reveal the intricate wheel work and escapement creating three-dimensional mechanical theater. The manufacture caliber features Roman numeral bridges that simultaneously serve as structural components and hour markers demonstrating ingenious design where form and function unite seamlessly. The movement showcases high-grade finishing including polished bevels, circular graining, and meticulous anglage executed entirely by hand visible from both dial side and through sapphire caseback. The manual-winding mechanism requires daily winding creating intimate engagement with the timepiece's mechanical artistry.

The skeleton dial creates exceptional transparency featuring floating Roman numerals that appear suspended in space while revealing the movement architecture beneath. The blue sword-shaped hands crafted from blued steel provide signature Cartier elegance against the mechanical backdrop ensuring legibility despite the skeletonization. The squared case with exposed screws on bezel provides iconic Santos aesthetic in precious yellow gold. The integrated yellow gold bracelet features refined proportions secured through Cartier's SmartLink adjustment system and folding clasp. Water resistant to 100 meters. Buy this preowned Santos Skeleton on Master Luxury at investment value.