SANTOS DE CARTIER

The Santos de Cartier was born from the friendship between Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviator, and Louis Cartier, the French jeweler. As Dumont pushed the boundaries of aviation with his groundbreaking inventions, Cartier was elevating his family’s business, revolutionizing the world of high-end jewelry and watchmaking.

Dumont found it challenging to check his pocket watch to keep track of time during a flight. He needed a more practical way to tell time while keeping both hands on the controls, as taking out a pocket watch was not only inconvenient but also risky. He shared this problem with his long-time friend, Louis Cartier, hoping to find a more practical solution for keeping track of time during a flight. In response, Cartier designed the Santos de Cartier in 1904, the brand’s first-ever wristwatch, providing Dumont with the functionality and convenience he needed for his aviation endeavors.

Dumont wore the Santos de Cartier two years later, in 1906, during his historic first official public powered flight in Paris. This groundbreaking event, witnessed by a large crowd and widely covered by the press, catapulted both Dumont and the Santos de Cartier into the spotlight. By the time the watch officially entered the market in 1911, it had already gained significant popularity.

Considered one of the earliest luxury wristwatches, the Santos de Cartier played a key role in establishing Cartier’s reputation as a premier watchmaker. Not only that, it made wearing wristwatches fashionable for men–a trend that had been largely reserved for women. At a time when pocket watches were the norm for men, the Santos de Cartier helped usher in a new era of wristwatches, setting a movement that would redefine timekeeping for men. Featuring a flat case with a square bezel–another innovative feature, as round cases were the most common shapes at the time–the Santos de Cartier combined functionality and elegance. This iconic timepiece was a true game-changer for the watchmaking industry, forever altering the way watches were designed and worn.

Since its debut in 1911, the Santos de Cartier has progressed over the years, incorporating new designs and mechanisms. While it has seen various modifications in size and materials, the core elements of the timepiece have remained consistent. It has transformed while preserving its iconic design. The Santos de Cartier stands as a true testament to Cartier’s brilliance and spirit of innovation.

We have various Santos de Cartier in stock:

Pre-owned Santos Galbee 29 x 41mm 187901

Pre-owned Santos Galbee 29 x 41mm 187901

Pre-owned Santos Carree 29 x 41 mm 2961

Pre-owned Santos Carree 29 x 41 mm 2961

Pre-owned Santos Carree Godron Bracelet 29 x 41 mm 2961

Pre-owned Santos Galbee 24 x 35 mm w20103c4 / 1567

Pre-owned Santos Demoiselle 20 x 28mm w25064z5/2698

Pre-owned Santos Demoiselle 20 x 28mm w25064z5/2698

Pre-owned Santos Francaise Small 25mm W51008Q3

Pre-owned Santos Galbee 29 x 41 mm 81035488 / 2961 SLATE / GHOST DIAL