Vintage Eye for the Modern Guy: Carter Santos 2018
The new Cartier Santos collection was one of the quieter releases of SIHH 2018, although it marks a significant transition for the world?s first wristwatch. With curvier elements, various sizes and materials, and a fresh refinement, the re-introduction of the series, after the discontinuation of the Cartier Santos 100 collection two years ago, is a welcome revamping of one of the most consequential series in watchmaking.
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The Santos collection is named for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who received the first of these watches in 1904 from his friend Louis Cartier to assist with in-flight timekeeping (vintage model pictured above). Santos-Dumont wanted a watch that was easier to use and could better free his hands for flight controls than the traditional pocketwatches of the era, and so Cartier ? whether realizing he would spark the dawn of the wristwatch or not ? developed the piece, which would be introduced to the mass market in 1911. These original pieces were characterized by square-style cases screwed-down from the top of the face, Roman numerals and a square minute ring on the dial, and the hallmark sapphire-tipped crown on the case?s side.
The newest collection (above), known officially as the Santos De Cartier Watch, has twelve different models offered in ?medium? and ?large? sizing at 35.1-mm and 39.8-mm, respectively. Ten of these models use the traditional black and white dial and will be our central focus, having been released in steel, steel a...
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Introducing – The Golden Meteorite Dial of the new Formex Essence 39 Space Gold
02-05-2024 05:28 - (
Luxury Watch )