Ask anyone, and they'll agree: the name Cartier exudes luxury and elegance. Though many people know the brand best for its fine jewelry, Cartier has a prestigious reputation for its innovative Swiss-made wristwatches. But did you know that that legacy wouldn't even be possible without the Cartier Santos Watch? Learn more about the model that launched a thousand designs and see why it’s a must-have.
Cartier and the Birth of the Wristwatch
When Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont approached his friend, Louis Cartier, with a unique problem, the Paris Cartier branch manager was quick in his attempt to find a solution. Dumont claimed that checking his pocket watch while flying to look at timings was proving more and more difficult during early aircraft development trials. In 1904, Louis Cartier immediately began designing a watch that would instead be secured onto the wrist—and the very first wristwatch was born.
The first Cartier Santos watch was very similar to the designs made today. It featured a square bezel, a white dial, Roman numerals, and a leather strap. Satisfied with its functionality and style, Santos-Dumont wore the wristwatch during every test going forward, and, as the very first person filmed while flying an aircraft, the public was quick to notice his versatile accessory.
Despite the intrigue, the model was not made available to the average citizen for another five years or so. But once Cartier collaborated with Edmond Jaeger, a famed movement maker, the watch skyrocketed in popularity! Since that era, Cartier and countless other brands have released men's and women's wristwatches—all thanks to the original Cartier Santos watch!
Why Collectors Love the Cartier Santos Watch
It doesn't matter whether you're a first-time buyer or a long-time collector—getting to wear the classic Cartier Santos watch feels like owning a little piece of the past. As the first commercially marketed wristwatch, the model is widely considered one of the most groundbreaking advancements in horological history.
Available in various sizes, metals, and straps, the versatile Cartier Santos watch has signature avant-garde aesthetics that continue to appear in each iteration, solidifying its model as a symbol of innovation and luxury. If you're searching for something with enduring style, this men's Cartier wristwatch is the one for you.
Which Celebrities Wear Cartier Santos Watches?
Diamond-studded Cartier Santos watches have been spotted on plenty of celebrity wrists, elevating its reputation over time. Some notable wearers include:
- Jay-Z
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Rami Malek
- Tom Hiddleston
- Tom Holland
- Adrian Brody
- Tyler the Creator
Get to Know the Different Standout Elements of the Cartier Santos Watch
If you're interested in owning your very own Cartier Santos model, it's worth getting familiar with each unique design aspect before shopping. That way, selecting the right Cartier watch model is easy! Cartier Santos watches are known for their:
Iconic Square Case Shape
The first thing you'll notice when browsing Cartier Santos watches is the unique case. Designed in a time when the vast majority of watches and clocks were round, the softened square case shape of the Santos model was a revolutionary design choice. Sharp and sophisticated, the square case has remained popular.
Exposed Screws on the Bezel and Bracelet
Instead of being concealed, as is popular with contemporary timepieces, the screws on the Cartier Santos watch were made to be visible. This industrial style was inspired by architectural marvels at the time, including the Eiffel Tower and early machinery. In some designs, like the Santos De Cartier Chronograph Watch, the screws are even a different metal shade, ensuring they stand out even more.
Colorful and Classic Dial Options
When it comes to a designer watch, the look of the dial matters just as much as the metal used in the rest of the model. The more colorful dials are sunray brushed, giving them a nuanced and subtle look. Dials can be found in:
- White: traditional and most common hue, silver-toned opaline
- Smoky green: added in 2003, rich and verdant green hue
- Blue: added in 2023, smoky blue that fades to black around the edges
- Skeletonized: no real dial at all, featuring an open-worked view of the intricate movement within
Roman Numerals and Sword-Shaped Hands
Each Cartier Santos timepiece features classic Roman numerals and thin, sword-shaped hands. This clean and minimalist look gives these models a distinctive, timeless edge in the market. If you're searching for a timepiece that will never go out of style, you can't go wrong with a mixed-metal Cartier Santos design.
QuickSwitch and SmartLink Watch Strap Systems
While the vintage Cartier Santos watches have a brown or black leather strap, contemporary designs utilize Cartier's innovative QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems. The QuickSwitch strap system allows the collector to swap out the metal bracelet for a different strap with just the push of a button. The SmartLink straps enable wearers to personalize and adjust the length of their bracelet without any additional tools.
Powerful In-House Movements
Movements can vary design to design, but the majority of modern-day Cartier Santos timepieces use the Calibre 1847 MC self-winding mechanical movement made in-house. Built with non-magnetic components, this movement helps the wristwatch resist magnetic fields. If you have preferences on which movement is used, ask your watch experts about models with alternative calibers.
Note: If you're considering buying a Santos Dumont watch design, it will likely have a high-efficiency quartz movement.
Other Popular Cartier Watch Collections
We care about finding you the perfect Cartier watch—even if it's not a Santos! If you're still interested in the brand, consider checking out these three Cartier timepiece collections:
- Tank: inspired by WWI tanks, known for its bold rectangular case and parallel vertical brandcards
- Panthére: represents a retro '80s style, with a jewelry-like bracelet and a rounded square case
- Ballon Bleu: known for its blend of feminine and masculine design, features a three-dimensional, rounded case and elegant dial
While you may be using your Cartier Santos watch to check on the present, you'll be able to feel a connection to the past with every tick. Shop for a Cartier Santos timepiece of your very own to start your watch collection off in style.
