Cartier Santos Dumont Extra Plat - Pouch & Deployant (Ref. 96054)

In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained about the unreliability and impracticality of using a pocket watch while flying. Louis Cartier designed a flat wristwatch with a square bezel, which became the first mass-produced men's wristwatch. Santos-Dumont became the first person to be filmed in an airplane flight in 1906, taking 21.5 seconds with a Cartier watch on his wrist. The Santos-Dumont watch was offered in platinum and yellow gold models. Cartier also developed the deployant mechanism for the straps, which is still used today. The Santos continued to be manufactured through the first half of the 20th century, but its square design declined due to WW2 and military requirements for round watches. In 1978, Cartier redesigned the Santos de Cartier, adding an integrated bracelet and stainless steel case and bracelet, a "bimetal" gold-steel design that became popular in the 1980s. 

Reference: 96054

Model: Santos Dumont

Movement: Manual

Year: Circa 1990s

Contents: Cartier pouch and deployant.

Case: Solid 18k yellow gold. The case is 27mm by 36mm, and it is 4mm thin. It has a lug width of 17mm. 

Crystal: Mineral/Sapphire

Dial: The original white lacquer dial with black Roman numerals and blued hands. It is Swiss signed for the American market.

Strap & Buckle: An after-market strap and buckle accommodated with the original Cartier deployant.

Case: The case looks to be unpolished, noted from the sharp chamfers and patina. The yellow gold bezel is also sharp.

Dial: The white lacquer dial is immaculate. The dial exhibits very light crazing that is barely visible to the naked eye, along with some minor rubbing from the hands.

Strap/Buckle: The strap it is on is in great condition, and the original deployant can be fitted on a sized strap.