Cartier Santos 100 - W2020009 - Cartier Warranty - Large Size

Most people associate Cartier primarily with its prestigious jewelry collections, often overlooking its significant legacy as a master watchmaker. Louis, the eldest of the three grandchildren of the original founder, oversaw the Paris boutique from the late 19th century. At the time wristwatches were considered a women's accessory, and referred to as "wristlets," while men typically wore pocket watches. Among his many contributions, Louis introduced platinum, then primarily used for industrial purposes, into jewelry (and, later, into watches). Alberto Santos-Dumont, the renowned Brazilian aviator celebrated in turn-of-the-century Paris for his daring feat of circumnavigating the Eiffel Tower in an airship, approached his friend Louis Cartier with a unique request. He needed a timepiece that would allow him to check the time effortlessly while flying, as his pocket watch proved impractical. In 1904, Cartier responded by creating the first men's wristwatch, later named "Santos" in honor of its distinguished commissioner. The Santos de Cartier thus holds a pivotal place in the history of wristwatches, cementing its status as the precursor and father of all men's wristwatches. To mark the model's centennial in 2004, Cartier unveiled a new collection: the Santos 100. The Santos 100 is a contemporary reinterpretation of the groundbreaking original, with its bold, square-shaped case with rounded corners, and distinctive screws on the bezel. While staying true to the spirit of the original Santos, it introduces more modern proportions and, most notably, offered an unprecedented level of customization for Cartier, with options including stainless steel, yellow gold, rose gold, aDLC black-coated stainless steel, and combinations of these materials, such as the example presented here. The iconic Cartier dial graphics have been reimagined with a modern twist. The chemin de fer is now open, and behind it are featured applied Roman numerals, instead of printed ones, on white, or like in example for sale, black background. The case, crafted from black-coated steel, offers exceptional scratch resistance and durability, further enhanced by the modern sapphire crystal, strong water resistance, and a reliable automatic ETA movement. The aDLC coating gives the timepiece a modern, sleek appearance, while the rose gold adds a refined touch of elegance and luxury. The Cartier Santos 100 is a statement of elegance, history, and innovation. Its blend of style, performance, versatility, and heritage makes it an ideal daily companion for both watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. The watch has been kept in great condition and is accompanied by its original certificate and booklets.