Introduction
With the aviation industry growing at unprecedented rates, one pioneering Brazilian aviator saw the need for a particular kind of tool - a pilot’s watch. So, this aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, went to Louis Cartier in 1904 and asked him to design a watch fit for flight. This watch became the Cartier Santos Dumont, the very first tool watch. Evolving through time as an extensive array of wonderful models, the Santos Dumont has become one of watchmaking’s most iconic designs, and is famed for creating the humble wristwatch as we know it.
The Santos Dumont reference we have here is the ref. 1577, an elegant 23mm x 30mm unisex variant of the objectively timeless timepiece. Featuring a polished round-edged bezel sitting atop a satin-brushed case with polished bevelling, the Santos Dumont’s case toys with light in a playful manner. Fitted with Cartier’s signature white dial, with black Roman numerals encircled by a railroad minute track and blued steel hands, the ref. 1577's aesthetic is unashamedly classical and refined.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
30mm x 23mm
Model
Santos Dumont
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
1577
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
With Cartier's signature combination of a white dial with black roman numerals and blued steel hands, the Santos Dumont speaks to the refined design that has enabled the French jeweler to become such an icon within the world of design.
THE CASE
Featuring its iconic square shape, screw-studded bezel, and angular cabochon-capped crown, the Santos Dumont's construction is among the most distinctive in the industry.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. The case exhibits som surface scratches and marks, visible primly on the polished bezel. The watch has a small ding on the edge of the lower left lug. It is visible in the images. Guilloche dial in near-mint condition showing little to no wear. Caseback engravings are sharp and all fully visible.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Imbued with Cartier's iconic design and its own heritage as the world's first tool watch, the Santos Dumont is important as the timepiece that set the entire industry as we know it today into motion.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
