Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton vs Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic

In-Depth Comparison

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton and the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Cartier and Hublot are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Santos reference was introduced in 2020, while this Big Bang reference debuted in 2023. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton beats the Cartier 9612 MC caliber offering a 72-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 19 jewels. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic is powered by the HUB1240 UNICO with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 38 jewels. Both watches offer identical power reserves, making them equally practical for daily rotation.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton features a 46.6mm case at 8.3mm thick with a 54.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in 18k Rose Gold. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic comes in at 45.0mm and 15.4mm thick with 52.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Black Ceramic. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 72g, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, 8 screws bezel, while the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed bezel. On the wrist, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton comes on a Dark brown alligator leather strap with Folding buckle in 18k rose gold, while the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic is fitted with Rubber strap featuring Fold-over.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic to 100m / 328ft. For water sports and diving, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton lists for $62,000 compared to $28,400 for the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $33,600 at retail. On the secondary market, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton trades around $52,000 while the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic commands approximately $24,000.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton and the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu III Ceramic delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.