About this lot

Description

circa 1980, the signed square white dial with black Roman numerals, blued sword shaped hands, centre seconds, chemin de fer chapter ring and date window at 3 o'clock, the signed 17 jewel mechanical ETA automatic movement calibre 2671 X1, the crown with synthetic sapphire end stone, the satin finished case with polished screw head bezel and crown guards, verso signed and engraved 'automatique', to an aftermarket dark blue crocodile strap by Hirsch, with steel pin buckle

Footnote: The Cartier 'Santos' wristwatch was the world's first watch specifically designed to be worn on the wrist and was inspired by the Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont. Santos-Dumont approached Louis Cartier with the idea of a pilot's watch as he was having difficulty accessing his pocket watch whilst flying and wanted to be able to easily read the time without taking his hands off the controls during flight. Introduced in 1904, and on general sale in 1911, the timepiece was considered revolutionary since it was secured to the wrist by a leather strap and was designed to be worn on a daily basis. With the help of his new Cartier timepiece, Alberto Santos-Dumont successfully achieved a personal flight record in the year 1906 with a height of 220 meters over the duration of 21 seconds. The Cartier Santos represented a milestone in the innovative potential of Cartier and today it remains one of the most famous models in the history of fine watchmaking.

Back to lot listings