Make: Cartier
Model: Santos-Dumont Skeleton XL
Reference: W2020052
Year: 2015
Movement: Manual wind calibre 9611 MC
Box and papers: Yes, complete set
Case: 39mm Titanium ADLC
Dial: Skeleton
Bracelet/Strap: Cartier leather strap on deployant
Condition: Excellent
Warranty: 6 month RHW warranty
One of Cartier’s Most Important Modern Creations
The Iconic Legacy
The Cartier Santos is not just one of Cartier’s most important watches. It is one of the most important wristwatches ever created.
Its origins trace back to 1904, when Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier that pocket watches were impractical while flying. Cartier’s response was revolutionary. A flat wristwatch with exposed screws and a clear dial, designed specifically to be worn in flight.
That watch became the Santos, widely regarded as one of the first purpose built wristwatches ever created.
More than a century later, Cartier reinterpreted that history in one of the boldest ways imaginable with the Santos-Dumont Skeleton.
And when this black ADLC coated XL version was released, it completely changed perceptions of what Cartier could be.
Why You’ll Love It
● Black ADLC coated titanium case with exceptional lightness on the wrist
● 39mm case size with strong presence while remaining incredibly wearable
● Architectural skeleton movement where the bridges form the Roman numerals
● Exceptional manual wind calibre designed specifically for this watch
● Produced in very low numbers compared to standard Cartier models
● One of the most visually dramatic Cartier watches ever produced
● Incredible value today at less than half of its original retail price
The case construction is a major part of what makes this watch so special.
Crafted from titanium, the watch feels remarkably light for its size, giving it an almost effortless wearability despite the bold visual presence of the black case.
The ADLC coating, short for amorphous diamond-like carbon, is applied at temperatures of around 200 degrees Celsius. The result is an ultra hard, highly scratch resistant surface with a deep matte black finish that gives the watch its modern architectural appearance.
The movement itself is equally impressive.
Powered by Cartier’s manual wind calibre 9611 MC, the watch was designed from the ground up as a skeleton movement rather than simply cutting away material from an existing calibre. The Roman numerals are not sitting above the movement. They are the movement itself, forming the structural bridges of the calibre.
This level of engineering and finishing placed the Santos-Dumont Skeleton firmly within Cartier’s haute horology division at launch, which is exactly why the original retail price exceeded £38,000.
Even today, very few watches blend design and movement architecture this successfully.
Iconic Status
The watch that proved Cartier could redefine modern horology.
The Cartier Santos has always represented innovation. From helping pioneer the modern wristwatch in the early twentieth century to becoming one of the most recognisable luxury watch designs ever created.
But the Santos-Dumont Skeleton marked a completely different chapter.
When Cartier released these skeleton models, the industry took notice because they were unlike anything else on the market. Rather than hiding the movement behind the dial, Cartier turned the movement itself into the design.
The Roman numeral bridges became instantly iconic, blending traditional Cartier styling with genuine mechanical artistry.
The black ADLC version in particular became one of the most sought after executions because it pushed the Santos into entirely new territory. Modern, architectural and unapologetically bold.
Produced in very limited numbers, these watches were never common, even when new. Today, they are increasingly appreciated not just as luxury watches, but as genuinely important modern Cartier pieces.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton XL reference W2020052 from 2015 is offered as a complete set in absolutely excellent condition.
Originally supplied through the Harrods Fine Watch Room with an original retail price of approximately £38,000, this example is now offered at just £18,500.
● PayPal or PayPal guest checkout online, allowing you to use your PayPal account or any major debit or credit card
● Bank transfers
● Secure email payment links
● Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store
● In person card payments available in store and by private appointment
● Book a private appointment via our website
One of the boldest and most important modern Cartier watches ever produced.
Make: Cartier
Model: Santos-Dumont Skeleton XL
Reference: W2020052
Year: 2015
Movement: Manual wind calibre 9611 MC
Box and papers: Yes, complete set
Case: 39mm Titanium ADLC
Dial: Skeleton
Bracelet/Strap: Cartier leather strap on deployant
Condition: Excellent
Warranty: 6 month RHW warranty
One of Cartier’s Most Important Modern Creations
The Iconic Legacy
The Cartier Santos is not just one of Cartier’s most important watches. It is one of the most important wristwatches ever created.
Its origins trace back to 1904, when Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier that pocket watches were impractical while flying. Cartier’s response was revolutionary. A flat wristwatch with exposed screws and a clear dial, designed specifically to be worn in flight.
That watch became the Santos, widely regarded as one of the first purpose built wristwatches ever created.
More than a century later, Cartier reinterpreted that history in one of the boldest ways imaginable with the Santos-Dumont Skeleton.
And when this black ADLC coated XL version was released, it completely changed perceptions of what Cartier could be.
Why You’ll Love It
● Black ADLC coated titanium case with exceptional lightness on the wrist
● 39mm case size with strong presence while remaining incredibly wearable
● Architectural skeleton movement where the bridges form the Roman numerals
● Exceptional manual wind calibre designed specifically for this watch
● Produced in very low numbers compared to standard Cartier models
● One of the most visually dramatic Cartier watches ever produced
● Incredible value today at less than half of its original retail price
The case construction is a major part of what makes this watch so special.
Crafted from titanium, the watch feels remarkably light for its size, giving it an almost effortless wearability despite the bold visual presence of the black case.
The ADLC coating, short for amorphous diamond-like carbon, is applied at temperatures of around 200 degrees Celsius. The result is an ultra hard, highly scratch resistant surface with a deep matte black finish that gives the watch its modern architectural appearance.
The movement itself is equally impressive.
Powered by Cartier’s manual wind calibre 9611 MC, the watch was designed from the ground up as a skeleton movement rather than simply cutting away material from an existing calibre. The Roman numerals are not sitting above the movement. They are the movement itself, forming the structural bridges of the calibre.
This level of engineering and finishing placed the Santos-Dumont Skeleton firmly within Cartier’s haute horology division at launch, which is exactly why the original retail price exceeded £38,000.
Even today, very few watches blend design and movement architecture this successfully.
Iconic Status
The watch that proved Cartier could redefine modern horology.
The Cartier Santos has always represented innovation. From helping pioneer the modern wristwatch in the early twentieth century to becoming one of the most recognisable luxury watch designs ever created.
But the Santos-Dumont Skeleton marked a completely different chapter.
When Cartier released these skeleton models, the industry took notice because they were unlike anything else on the market. Rather than hiding the movement behind the dial, Cartier turned the movement itself into the design.
The Roman numeral bridges became instantly iconic, blending traditional Cartier styling with genuine mechanical artistry.
The black ADLC version in particular became one of the most sought after executions because it pushed the Santos into entirely new territory. Modern, architectural and unapologetically bold.
Produced in very limited numbers, these watches were never common, even when new. Today, they are increasingly appreciated not just as luxury watches, but as genuinely important modern Cartier pieces.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton XL reference W2020052 from 2015 is offered as a complete set in absolutely excellent condition.
Originally supplied through the Harrods Fine Watch Room with an original retail price of approximately £38,000, this example is now offered at just £18,500.
● PayPal or PayPal guest checkout online, allowing you to use your PayPal account or any major debit or credit card
● Bank transfers
● Secure email payment links
● Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store
● In person card payments available in store and by private appointment
● Book a private appointment via our website
One of the boldest and most important modern Cartier watches ever produced.
