Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton vs Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001

In-Depth Comparison

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 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 Patek Philippe 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 Aquanaut reference debuted in 2018. The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton 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 Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 is powered by the Patek Philippe CH 28-520 C with a 55-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 33 jewels. The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton wins on power reserve with a 17-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

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 Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 comes in at 42.2mm and 11.2mm thick with 47.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 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 Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, rounded octagonal 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 Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 is fitted with Orange composite rubber strap (Tropical) featuring Fold-over clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 to 120m / 394ft. For water sports and diving, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton lists for $62,000 compared to $60,170 for the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $1,830 at retail. On the secondary market, the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton trades around $52,000 while the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 commands approximately $120,000. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 carries a 99% market premium.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Cartier Santos-Dumont XL Skeleton and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. As an investment, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A-001 shows strong value retention. 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.