Santos

The Santos was first designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The watch was designed to be worn during flight and featured a square-shaped case with exposed screws on the bezel, a leather strap that was integrated into the case, and a simple white dial with Roman numeral hour markers. The Santos became a popular and iconic timepiece and has been updated and adapted over the years to include new materials, movements, and functions.

The price of a Cartier Santos varies depending on the model and materials used. Basic models made of stainless steel can start at around US$5,000, while more complicated or precious metal models can cost over US$50,000. For example, the Santos de Cartier watch with a diamond-studded bezel and bracelet has a retail price of around US$72,000. The general price range for a Cartier Santos is between US$5,000 and US$50,000.

The Cartier Santos has a reputation for maintaining its value over time, particularly the vintage models. However, like any luxury watch, the value of a Santos can be influenced by various factors such as rarity, condition, and market demand. As such, it is highly recommended that prospective watch investors conduct thorough research before making any purchase decisions.

The Cartier Santos collection includes some of the brand’s most iconic and recognizable watches. Among the most popular models are the Santos de Cartier Medium Model, which features a square case and Roman numeral hour markers, and the Santos de Cartier Large Model, which has a similar design but with a larger case size. The Santos-Dumont, which features a more minimalist design with a rectangular case, is also a popular model.

The Santos is known for its unique square-shaped case and exposed screws on the bezel that create a distinctive industrial look. Other unique features include a leather strap that is integrated into the case and the signature blue cabochon on the crown. The watch also features a Roman numeral dial with a date window and luminescent hands and markers.

The original Santos watch was designed in 1904 and featured a square case with exposed screws on the bezel, a leather strap that was integrated into the case, and a simple white dial with Roman numeral hour markers. The modern Santos collection retains many of these features but also includes updated materials, movements, and additional functions such as a chronograph and GMT.

The Cartier Santos was originally made for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who was a friend of Louis Cartier and complained to him about the difficulty of using pocket watches while flying. In 1904, Louis Cartier designed a wristwatch with a square case and a leather strap for Santos-Dumont, which allowed him to easily read the time while flying.

The waiting list for a new Cartier Santos can vary depending on the specific model and availability. Popular models of the collection, like the Santos de Cartier Medium Model or Santos de Cartier Large Model, may have a higher demand and, therefore, a longer waiting list. Limited edition or special models, such as the Santos de Cartier Skeleton or the diamond-studded Santos de Cartier, can also have longer waiting lists due to their exclusivity and unique features.

Celebrities who have been spotted wearing Cartier Santos watches include Jake Gyllenhaal, who wore a Santos de Cartier Skeleton watch; Justin Timberlake, who wore a Santos de Cartier Large Model; and Tom Cruise, who wore a Santos de Cartier Galbée.