cartier santos 1904 2004

This version of Cartier's new Calibre watch is equipped with an exceptional flying tourbillon - the caliber 9452 MC with the Geneva Seal. The mechanical Manufacture movement with manual winding contains 142 components including 19 jewels. It is driven by the flying tourbillon whose C-shaped carriage indicates the seconds. With a thickness of 4.5 mm and a diameter of 10 ? lines, this calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 50 hours.

The Cartier Santos 100 chronograph is treated with a special amorphous DLC coating. Cartier says this specific treatment process is used on military equipment and that they have the exclusive rights to use this treatment for watches. What makes it different than other DLC treatments? According to Cartier, the thickness of the coating is superior to all other treatments and will not show contrasting color. It is even fingerprint resistant. Nice. The bezel, pushers and elements of the dial are made of 18k rose gold. The movement is automatic with a chronograph and date function. Cartier is one of the last companies I would expect to use DLC on their timepieces, and judging from this watch - I am glad they did. Retail is $14,350.