The Origin Of The Cartier Santos
Inspired By Flight
A pioneering aviator at the dawn of the 20th century, Alberto Santos-Dumont was a phenom in Paris society. The wealthy scion of Brazilian coffee baron, Santos had long been interested in balloon aviation.
In a June 1902 article for the North American Review, Santos wrote “...the flying-machine will be achieved only by the way of evolution, by making the air-ship pass through a series of transformations analogous to the metamorphoses by which the chrysalis becomes the winged butterfly.”
Santos-Dumont designed and built gliding aircraft, winning coveted prizes of the day.
Santos-Dumont reportedly complained to his friend Louis Cartier of the difficulty of checking his pocket watch during flight. Cartier listened and designed the world’s first pilots watch; the Cartier Santos.
The Cartier Santos was produced from 1911, but were initially costly and appealed to society types who could afford the extravagance.
Beginning in 1978 the Cartier Santos was put in to true mass production with two tone and all stainless steel models.
Of course it must be mentioned that one of the most iconic appearances in film of the Cartier Santos - this one in all gold, was as it was worn by Gordon Gekko in the film Wall Street.
Timeless elegance, and storied history make the Cartier Santos a notable and desired statement piece.