Cartier is one of the most renowned and iconic luxury brands in the world. Their various watch models are coveted by casual watch enthusiasts and dedicated collectors alike. Perhaps the most beloved Cartier of all is the Cartier Santos watch. There is a good reason for that. Not only is the Cartier Santos an impeccably designed timepiece, but it has an interesting history and it’s a landmark innovation in the world of watches.
In this article, we break down the storied history of the Cartier Santos and what makes this particular watch so special. Read on to learn more and make sure to choose BQ Watches for your next Cartier.
Cartier has a long and storied history of its own. The brand has been around longer than most, with the original store opening in 1847. This store was run by Louis-François Cartier, located in Paris, and originally it was a luxury jewelry company. The company wouldn’t enter the luxury watch market until 1904, but they quickly made a huge splash when they did. With the release of the Santos, Cartier would become the world-renowned watch brand they are today, almost instantly.
By 1904, the grandson of Louis-François Cartier, Louis Cartier, was running the Paris branch of Cartier. He was also very good friends with the Brazilian aviation pioneer Albert Santos-Dumont. Santos-Dumont would frequently conduct field tests in his planes, running experiments and attempting to innovate the world of aviation. As he did so, he would use his pocket watch to keep the time.
He would complain to his friend, Louis Cartier, that frequently checking his pocket watch had become very inconvenient while he was flying. Cartier, in response, designed a watch with a leather strap that could be worn around the wrist. Thus, the wristwatch was born. Cartier designed the watch with a unique, square bezel as well. Santos-Dumont was beyond pleased with the innovation, sporting it every time he flew. Most notably, Santos-Dumont would wear his favorite new watch in 1906, when he performed the first public engine powered-flight. Santos-Dumont could check his watch without his hands ever leaving the wheel of the plane. It was a true innovation for the era.
Since Santos-Dumont was a very famous figure of the times, this led to others wanting the same watch. Cartier would begin mass producing the watch and it became known as the first men’s wristwatch in 1911.
Though the Cartier Santos has retained its iconic square shape, there have been various iterations and styles of the watch throughout the years. Check out some of the most notable watches in the Cartier Santos lineup.
Click here to read our article on the updates to the Cartier Santos watch through the years.
The Santos de Cartier is a quintessential iteration of the classic Cartier Santos formula. The watch was designed to bring the Cartier to the modern (at the time) era. After the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak made stainless steel watches a popular luxury material, Cartier decided to release a version of the trend as well.
The Santos de Cartier would feature a screwed-on plate bezel along with a metal bracelet. The Cartier de Santos would quickly become an 80s icon.
The Cartier Santos Dumont introduced an entry-level Cartier to the masses. This watch would retain the same style and shape as the iconic Cartier Santos and replace the automatic movement with a more affordable quartz movement.
This change to the internal components of the watch would allow consumers to purchase a version of the Cartier Santos at a very attractive price point. The Santos Dumont comes in a variety of sizes but only comes with a leather strap. Most models are stainless steel, however, a rose gold model is also available.
The Cartier Santos Galbée is another relatively affordable option that has both quartz and automatic movements. This watch was released in the late 1980s and was another popular addition to the lineup. Many collectors appreciate the addition of the curved, smooth look of the case that the Galbée brought to the table.
The Galbée was perhaps the most radical redesign of the Santos, simply due to the fact that the iconic square shape was changed in favor of something smoother.
The wide variety of Cartier Santos models gives you a lot of options to choose from when you’re ready to purchase one of your own. For materials, you can find Cartier Santos watches in various gold materials and in stainless steel. There is also the iconic two-tone look that features both materials.
As for features, the most dynamic would have to be from the re-release of the Santos in 2018. These modern Cartier models would have the 1847 MC in-house calibre, the ability to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,200 gauss, and the innovative QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems. The QuickSwitch system makes it easy to pop out your bracelet and switch it to a different one whenever you want. So you can easily switch between leather and stainless steel options at a moment’s notice. The SmartLink system also lets you remove links to make your watch a perfect fit for your wrist.
Click here to read our article on Cartier watches and whether they tick or sweep.
There are also Cartier Santos watches in various sizes, so there is sure to be one that fits your wrist the way you want.
The Cartier Santos is truly a watch that doesn’t age. The timeless design combined with the fascinating history makes this a timepiece that anyone should be proud to own. If you’re looking to add a Cartier Santos to your collection, the team at BQ Watches would be more than happy to assist. We have a variety of Cartier timepieces in our inventory, and we’re sure to have one that fits your style.
Click here to visit our pageon Cartier Santos watches
If you’re unable to find the Cartier you’re wanting, simply let us know. Our team can source a watch for you. Just provide us with the details of the model you want and we’ll start our sourcing process. When it comes to used luxury watches, there is no better place to go than BQ Watches. Get in touch with us today for any questions about our inventory or about the services we offer.
