Perhaps one of the most legendary timepieces ever, the Cartier Santos is the watch we must thank for the modern horology industry that we all know and love. Designed in 1904 as the first-ever pilot’s watch and thus the first-ever tool watch, the Cartier Santos has continued to push boundaries ever since it was strapped to the wrist of famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. As the story goes, Alberto asked Louis Cartier for a wristwatch that he could wear while flying as it would be so much more practical than his using his usual pocket watch while also trying to control his plane. Evolving through time like most pieces of design, the Cartier Santos has been characteristically fluid in its unique ability to encapsulate the aesthetic zeitgeist of whatever era it finds itself in. As such, Cartier released the Cartier Santos in 1978 to capitalize on the growing market for angular integrated bracelet watches thanks to the popularity of the Royal Oak, Nautilus and other such watches. With its integrated bracelet, exposed screws, angular design, raised polished bezel, distinctive bracelet and classical Cartier dial, the Santos was a success and since then has continued to grow as a collection. The Santos Galbee ref. 2961 that we have here features a beautiful stainless construction alongside a rare burgundy red lacquer dial. With its svelte proportions and a tasteful balance between polished and brushed surfaces, this variant demonstrates Cartier’s strengths as a design institution. Offered as the “Jumbo” edition, the Santos ref. 2961 was known for its larger 29mm diameter and 40mm lug-to-lug case design, which now wears in a beautifully understated manner thanks to the increase in watch sizes over the decades.

A beautifully elegant watch and the precursor to the Santos Galbee, the Santos we have here has the best of both Cartier worlds with its stunning construction and automatic movement.