SIGNED CARTIER, SANTOS-DUMONT XL, REF. W2SA0025, CASE NO. 4305, CIRCA 2021

Amongst the most well-known and appreciated timepieces of Cartier, the Santos was developed following a request from the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont to Louis Cartier. An aviation pioneer, Mr. Dumont was experiencing difficulties in reading time with his pocket watch while operating controls during flights, leading Cartier to provide him with a prototype wristwatch in the early 1900, later known as the Santos. The first timepiece with integrated lugs, the wristwatch was considered the first modern wristwatch for men and was crafted with a cabochon sapphire crown, which became throughout the years a distinctive feature of Cartier timepieces.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present example is part of a limited edition of 500 pieces. Highly attractive Turning the watch over, the caseback reveals an engraving of Alberto Santos-Dumont’s flying machine N°19