Named after the Brazilian aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos-Dumont,
the Cartier Santos 100 took flight in 1904. Dumont was known for many things, one of them being his win of the Deutch de la Meurthe prize on a flight that rounded the Eiffel Tower. Dumont had expressed to his good friend, Louis Cartier, that he wanted to be able to check the time while flying. So, Cartier designed a watch inspired by his friendship with the famous aviator and created the everlasting design of the Santos.

What makes the design and style of the Santos 100 iconic is the curved edges of its dial and its exposed screw. It is a dress watch that broke away from the traditional Smallzie concept. It’s large, crisp and sits comfortably on most wrists do to its curved casing. It’s clean and oversized numerals make it easy to read and introduce a classic and distinctive dial to Cartier’s signature look.

Although the Santos was innovated and launched in the early 1900’s, because of its contemporary look, Cartier was able to maintain the classic design till this day. The Cartier Santos 100 is no longer in production and though there are many currently available  in the pre-owned market, I anticipate this watch will be an iconic piece and will maintain its value a century from now. Current estimated prices are depending on condition and if the watch comes with its original Cartier packaging and certificate of origin. Yellow gold as pictured is available for sale on our website for $15,950 . The Santos 100 is also available in stainless steel and steel and gold which can cost anywhere between $3,500 – $4,500.

The double-sided folding clasp allows you to adjust the length of the strap from both sides, which enables the person wearing it to position the center of the clasp as they see fit. The Santos also fits comfortably under most sleeves. A couple things that are not ideal about the Santos 100 is that it does not illuminate, nor does it have a calendar feature on the dial.

On its centenary in 2004, Cartier also came out with the stainless steel version of this yellow gold beaut!

The pictured Santos 100 is circa 2010!