The Cartier Santos de Cartier reference WHSA0028 is a large model skeletonized luxury watch featuring a 39.8mm square stainless steel case with a thickness of 9.08mm. It is powered by the manufacture caliber 9611 MC, a manual-winding mechanical movement that provides a 70-hour power reserve. The open-worked design utilizes the movement’s bridges to form large Roman numerals, which are filled with a distinctive green lacquer. The watch is equipped with gray steel sword-shaped luminescent hands and a seven-sided crown set with a green jasper cabochon. It offers 100 meters of water resistance and features the QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems for easy, tool-free bracelet and strap adjustments.
The timepiece focuses on time-only complications, displaying hours and minutes across its skeletonized architecture. The lack of a traditional dial allows for a clear view of the gear train, balance spring, and mainspring barrels from both the front and the sapphire crystal case back. The double barrels are designed to provide a more consistent torque release, improving timekeeping stability over the duration of the power reserve. Included with the watch are both a stainless steel bracelet and a green alligator leather strap to complement the green accents on the movement and crown.
General reviews of the WHSA0028 emphasize its status as a modern, sporty interpretation of a historic aviation icon. Collectors frequently praise the execution of the skeletonized bridges and the legibility provided by the luminescent hands against the open-worked movement. The 9mm profile and curved case design are often cited for providing exceptional comfort and wearability on various wrist sizes. While the finishing is sometimes described as having an industrial character, the overall aesthetic is widely regarded as a successful blend of high-end watchmaking and versatile contemporary style.