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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913 Limited Edition Ref. 2697

Partially verified

This Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913, reference 2697, is a limited edition wristwatch released as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP). Limited to 100 pieces, the watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 25 x 34 mm with rounded, integrated lugs. The silver dial is signed "CARTIER PARIS" and decorated with black Roman numeral hour markers and blued Breguet-style hands. A blue sapphire cabochon is set into the crown. Power is provided by a manual-wind movement, identified by the source as a Jaeger-LeCoultre–derived caliber 9780MC. The watch is completed by a leather strap secured with an 18k yellow gold Cartier folding buckle. The timepiece reflects the design aesthetic and mechanical standards of the CPCP line, which focused on historical motifs and refined watchmaking. This specific example has been serviced by the vendor.

Front view of the Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913, showing the yellow gold case, silver dial with Roman numerals, and leather strap.
Front view of the Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913, showing the yellow gold case, silver dial with Roman numerals, and leather strap. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
2697
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 2004
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913 ref. 2697 is housed in an 18k yellow gold case measuring 25 mm by 34 mm. It features a distinctive design characterized by a thicker case profile compared to standard models, accompanied by rounded lugs that sweep directly from the case body. The winding crown is adorned with a blue cabochon, a consistent feature across the Santos-Dumont line.

The dial is rendered in silver, serving as a backdrop for the black Roman numeral hour markers. It is explicitly signed "CARTIER PARIS," distinguishing it within the CPCP collection. The time is displayed via blued Breguet-style hands, which provide a contrast against the silver-toned surface of the dial. The construction is intended to evoke the aesthetic of early 20th-century Cartier timepieces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Yellow 18 k gold case measures 25 x34 mm”
  • “typical Cartier blue cabochon crown”
  • “Silver dial with black Roman numerals PARIS signed”
  • “blued Breguet hands”

Movement and Mechanical Standards

This watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, designated by the vendor as caliber 9780MC. The source identifies this movement as a derivative of a Jaeger-LeCoultre base. It was developed to meet the requirements of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP), which mandated high-end mechanical standards.

The CPCP movement design reflects the brand's shift toward emphasizing mechanical interest and refined finishing following the quartz era.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre–derived manual-wind cal. 9780MC”
  • “featuring an lovely finished mechanical movement”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Collection and History

The ref. 2697 belongs to the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, launched in 1998 to refocus the brand on its historical roots and mechanical heritage. This specific model is a tribute to the early 20th-century Santos-Dumont, which is recognized as the first pilot's watch created by Louis Cartier for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Production of this reference was strictly limited to 100 examples. The watch's design honors the original heritage of the Santos-Dumont while incorporating the more robust, masculine, and finished characteristics required by the CPCP criteria.

Evidence for this section
  • “belongs to Cartier’s esteemed Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP)”
  • “Produced in a limited edition of just 100 pieces”
  • “design that thoughtfully honors the Santos-Dumont’s heritage”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain specific Cartier-branded modifications compared to the base Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber?
  • What specific documentation or registry confirms the exact production date within the circa 2004 range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier Santos-Dumont 1913 Limited Edition Ref. 2697
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference2697“ref. 2697”
Case material18k yellow gold“18 yellow gold”
Case dimensions25 x 34 mm“25 × 34 mm”
Dial signatureCARTIER PARIS“PARIS signed”
MovementManual-wind caliber 9780MC“Cal9780MC manual wind movement”
ProductionLimited edition of 100 pieces“Produced in a limited edition of just 100 pieces”
CollectionCollection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP)“belongs to Cartier’s esteemed Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP)”

Visible details

  • Blue sapphire cabochon set in the winding crown
  • Black Roman numerals printed on a silver dial
  • Blued Breguet-style hands
  • 18k yellow gold folding clasp on a leather strap

Research qualifications

  • The specific serial number within the 100-piece production run is not identified
  • The exact year of manufacture is stated only as circa 2004

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Cartier Santos Dumont 1913 نسخه محدود CPCP رفرنس 2697

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c1468c1d35

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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