The Watch
In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to friend Louis Cartier about the unreliability and impracticality of using a pocket watch while flying. Cartier designed a flat wristwatch with a square bezel and gave it to Santos-Dumont. The Santos’ case was seemingly inspired by a square pocket watch Cartier had produced, but the highly legible dial design telegraphs a shift to Art Deco style that would define the 1920s and 1930s, and continues to define Cartier’s design aesthetic to this day.
The case was conceived to be robust and the screws that secure the glass were intended to recall the legs of the new Eiffel tower. Similarly, the blackened Roman numerals suggest the radial layout of Paris’ streets and wide boulevards.
In 1978, Cartier gave the watch an integrated bracelet instead of the traditional leather strap. Cartier made the case and bracelet out of stainless steel, a true change in course for the maison that had only worked with precious metals before this time. Cartier also added 18k gold to the case and bracelet to give the watch a touch of luxury. This “bimetal” gold-steel design would go on to be extremely popular in the 1980s (have Wall Street’s Gordon Gecko in mind).
Specific Information
Object nr: 645
Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos Galbée
Year: 1988
Movement: Automatic, cal. 2670
Material: Stainless steel & solid gold
Original crown: Yes
Dimensions: 24 x 24mm (34,5mm)
Strap/Bracelet: Original Cartier bracelet 01-88. Fits 16-17 cm wrists.
Box/Papers: No/No
Service: Service history is unknown but the timekeeping is very good and the power reserve is long
The Condition
This Cartier Santos is lovely and got it all: original well preserved dial, blue hands and the sapphire crown. The dial is so beautiful and in amazing condition as you can see if you study the photos.
The watch got some signs of wear at the case and bracelet. They become more or less visible depending on angle and light, but due to its age its in a good condition.
Sold "as it is”! We leave a 6 months of warranty.
The pictures is a part of the description, study therefore the pictures carefully!
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