Cartier Santos Dumont Large WSSA0046

1904, Louis Cartier granted the wish of the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont: to be able to tell time while flying. The birth of one of the first ever wristwatches sealed the bonds of friendship between these two pioneers. The rounded angles of the dial, the seamless curve of the horns, and the exposed screws made for an iconic watch that would inspire countless reinterpretations.

Santos-Dumont watch, large model, Manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber 430 MC. Steel case with black lacquer, steel beaded crown set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon, black square decoration dial with translucent lacquer, Roman numerals, steel sword-shaped hands, sapphire crystal. Case back engraved with the handwritten signature of Alberto Santos-Dumont. Black alligator leather strap, steel ardillon buckle. Case dimensions: 43.5 mm x 31.4 mm, thickness: 7.3 mm. Water-resistant up to 3 bar (approx. 30 meters/100 feet).

Reference: WSSA0046

Dated: Undated

Bracelet: Black leather strap

Case: 43.5 mm x 31.4 mm, thickness: 7.3 mm - Stainless Steel

Movement: 430 MC - Manual

Functions: HM

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.25”

Case has no wear. Strap has no creasing with no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Runs within spec.

Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, began as a jewelry workshop that quickly gained recognition among French aristocracy. Under the leadership of Alfred Cartier, the company expanded into watchmaking, with a pivotal moment occurring in 1904 when Louis Cartier created the Santos Dumont, the world's first modern men's wristwatch, for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Throughout the 20th century, Cartier continued to innovate in watch design, introducing iconic timepieces like the Tank in 1918, inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank. The company's watches became known for blending functionality with artistic elements, incorporating Art Deco influences and precious materials. Today, as part of the Richemont Group, Cartier remains a leader in luxury watchmaking, continuing to produce exquisite timepieces that combine tradition with contemporary design, from the classic Tank to the modern Pasha.