Cartier Santos in Yellow Gold, Circa 1950

The Santos Dumont watch was originally designed by Louis Cartier for his friend, the aviator Alberto Santos Dumont and it was November 12th. 1906 that Santos Dumont succeeded in setting the first world record, recognized by the Aero-Club De France by flying 220 metres in less than 22 seconds. But it took until 1911, before Santos Dumont watches were sold commercially. Between the twenties and sixties there were different case and dial variations, with baton hands and with Breguet style hands, but in the seventies the model was pretty much what it was until 2008.This model has a very flat yellow gold case, Breguet style hands and roman numerals and yellow gold strap. The movement is a mechanical calibre by Frederic Piguet. The crown has the classic blue cabochon sapphire. Size: 23x23mm.