Description

Santos Dumont was the first wristwatch created by Louis Cartier in 1904 for his Aviator friend and pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.

It was born out of necessity when Santos-Dumont expressed his desire to have his hands free while flying and pocket watches didn’t serve that purpose. Thus the world’s first pilot’s watch was born. Technically it is also the first men’s wrist watch. Today, over a century later, the iconic design of Santos has barely changed and earned a cult status.

In 1994, to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of this historical timepiece, Cartier created thus special edition of Santos Dumont limited to just 90 pcs.

This stunning Cartier Santos Dumont 90th Anniversary edition reference 1575-1 measures 36mm x 27mm making it a modern classic. The case is made in platinum and so is the bezel with tiny screws. The gorgeous dial features a soft salmon tone, with black printed Roman numerals and an outer railway minute track and blued Breguet-style hands.

On the inside is a manual-wound 021MC caliber, based on the Frédéric Piguet 21 offering a 42hr power reserve. It was designed as the thinnest watch movement on the market with a diameter of 20,4mm and 1,75mm thickness.

The solid caseback is inscribed with a Santos Dumont engraving, along with its reference, serial and limited edition number.

This rare beauty is offered on a blue leather strap with a white gold deployant clasp.

Cartier – Bio

Founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, the house of Cartier is the luxury jewellers by reference in France.
Jewellers of the royal family and their prominent entourage, they quickly acquired fame in Europe.
Later Louis Cartier gave a second life to old watchmaking traditions with pieces like the mystery clocks, gem-set watches and other flamboyant pieces.
One of their iconic models called the Santos was made in 1904 for his friend and client the aviator from Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont.   Followed by other successful models like the Tonneau in 1906, the Tortue in 1912 and the famous Tank in 1919 to mention few.
The brand stayed in the family until 1964 and is now owned by a Swiss watch group.