Cartier Santos Carree ref. 2961

In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont sought the assistance of his friend Louis Cartier to solve a pressing issue. Santos-Dumont found his pocket watch both unreliable and impractical during flights. Rising to the challenge, Cartier designed a groundbreaking wristwatch tailored for the aviator. The result was a sleek, flat timepiece with a distinctive square bezel. Initially crafted as a one-of-a-kind creation for Santos-Dumont, the watch quickly captured the imagination of Cartier’s clientele. By 1911, the design was officially named the Cartier Santos-Dumont, becoming the first wristwatch to be mass-produced.

The Santos’ legacy remains as remarkable as its origin. This particular model, a two-tone Santos Galbée from the 1980s, exemplifies timeless elegance. Its striking combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold is complemented by a rich burgundy dial and gilded hands. Slightly larger than earlier iterations, with a 29mm case, the watch retains its refined proportions, making it an ideal choice for slim wrists or those seeking a touch of understated luxury.