The Santos de Cartier Watch Gets a Brilliant Blue Update

Back in the early 1900s, Cartier irrevocably changed the world of horology by introducing the Santos de Cartier (reference WSSA0013), the very first men's wristwatch. It was named after the Brazillian avation legend, Alberto Santos-Dumont, for whom it was created after the pilot complained about having to check a pocket watch while flying.

It was those great blue skies that Santos-Dumont often ventured into that inspired his namesake timepiece's latest update, hundred of years later: a metallic blue dégradé dial. As we've come to expect from Cartier, the new feature was created with a precise attention to detail, by carefully spraying the azure hue onto the dial in motion — resulting in that mesmerizing gradient façade that changes with the angle.  

To match the dial, the 2019 version of the Santos de Cartier boasts a choice between 2 bracelets: a steel bracelet that utilizes Cartier's SmartLink adjustment system, as well as a navy blue calfskin strap with an adjustable steel folding buckle. Both can be easily interchanged thanks to Cartier's QuickSwitch system.

The rest of the Santos de Cartier's new design remains as compelling as its original. There's the signature square case in stainless steel, atop which sits the polished raised bezel. At the side, you'll find the timepiece's iconic embellished, hexagonal crown.

With its impeccable design and striking blue dial, the Santos de Cartier certainly shapes up to be a timepiece that Alberto himself would have approved.