Cartier Santos Galbee 18k Or Massif (Ref. 87901)

How the Santos Began Its Life - 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: 87901

Model: Santos Galbee

Movement: A quartz movement that was serviced before being listed.

Year: Circa 1990s

Contents: Box and Booklet

Case: This reference 87901 is the large Santos Carree with a fantastic 29mm case. The case has thick chamfers and normal wear. 

Dial: The white dial is immaculate and has been inspected under a loupe. The original dial features a textured finish and black Roman numerals.

Strap & Buckle: The original Bracelet is in nice condition. It has 20 links with one micro-adjustment on the deployant.