.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
In 2025, at Watches & Wonders, the Santos-Dumont line was given a bright makeover with the debut of new colored dials that paid homage to the different materials used in Alberto Santos-Dumont's groundbreaking aircraft, the 'Demoiselle'. The collection came in three eye-catching variations: yellow gold with a yellow dial, pink gold with a beige dial, and platinum with a copper dial, such as the present timepiece.
This limited-edition timepiece is further distinguished by a red cabochon set into the crown, a design element only found in Cartier's platinum creations. The caseback's engraving of Alberto Santos-Dumont's hand-signed signature, which honors the aviation pioneer who served as the inspiration for one of Cartier's most recognizable watch lines, adds to its desirability.
The Cartier Santos
In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont expressed to his friend Louis Cartier the difficulty of using a pocket watch while flying. Cartier responded by creating a flat wristwatch with a unique square case, which he received as a gift. The first mass-produced men's wristwatch eventually came into existence as a result of the creative design's rapid popularity among Cartier's clients. In November 1906, Santos-Dumont piloted his aircraft for 21.5 seconds while wearing his Cartier watch, making him the first person ever captured on camera while in flight. While staying true to its aviation-inspired roots, the Cartier Santos line has developed into a true horological icon over the years, offering a variety of models ranging from platinum to gold.
This limited-edition timepiece is further distinguished by a red cabochon set into the crown, a design element only found in Cartier's platinum creations. The caseback's engraving of Alberto Santos-Dumont's hand-signed signature, which honors the aviation pioneer who served as the inspiration for one of Cartier's most recognizable watch lines, adds to its desirability.
The Cartier Santos
In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont expressed to his friend Louis Cartier the difficulty of using a pocket watch while flying. Cartier responded by creating a flat wristwatch with a unique square case, which he received as a gift. The first mass-produced men's wristwatch eventually came into existence as a result of the creative design's rapid popularity among Cartier's clients. In November 1906, Santos-Dumont piloted his aircraft for 21.5 seconds while wearing his Cartier watch, making him the first person ever captured on camera while in flight. While staying true to its aviation-inspired roots, the Cartier Santos line has developed into a true horological icon over the years, offering a variety of models ranging from platinum to gold.