Lot 155

Cartier

Santos

A legendary, heavy wristwatch with date, original box and Cartier certificate

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The Santos features all the style attributes that are a must for the classic and ageless elegant timepieces made by Maison Cartier: the square case which seamlessly integrates the 18 K yellow gold bracelet and the classic white dial with Roman hours and blued hands. The blue accents naturally complement the blue sapphire cabochon, which traditionally ornaments the winding crown. Cartier's secret signature sits on the right arm of "VII".

The Santos a.k.a. Santos-Dumont is a wristwatch by Cartier and considered to be not only the first Gentleman’s wristwatch model, but also the first pilot’s watch and the first sports watch.
In Jahr 1904 Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont discussed the challenge to use a pocket watch to fly an aeroplane with his friend Louis Cartier. Cartier instructed his staff to design a watch to be worn on the wrist, taking its inspiration from the novel Lady’s wristwatches at the time. The company developed a watch based on a square pocket watch case, featuring large square dial, a screwed bezel and integrated lugs. Santos-Dumont wore such a timepiece when he was photographed with his plane and caused a sensation with it.
Source: Watch-Wiki