Cartier set the template for every modern wristwatch with the introduction of the Santos Dumont in 1904. This elegant midsize version is every bit as revolutionary today as it was over a hundred years ago.

Men used to wear rather large pocket watches until Louis Cartier introduced the Santos in 1904 as the first purposely designed men’s wrist watch. The Santos was not only pioneering for completely reimagining the way we interact with our timepieces, but also introduced a revolutionary aesthetic. The pocket watches that preceded it and many wrist watches that followed it were round with fluid details.

The Santos, in contrast, had a strong and utilitarian aesthetic, with a square case and visible screws on the bezel. These design elements would be reintroduced almost 70 years later by Gerald Genta in the Royal Oak. The Santos has remained a staple in Cartier’s collection ever since its introduction more than a century ago.

The one we have for you here is rather extraordinary. First of all, this reference 1575 is executed in the heaviest of configurable metals, namely 950 platinum. Due to the slim profile and case dimensions of 26 x 36 mm it remains an elegant watch which is also thanks to the fact it bears the ultra thin, manual wound movement; cal. 021MC. Secondly we have this rather unusual dial with '2000' printing just above the 6 o'clock marker which is exclusive for the. The dial itself is, as we are used from Cartier, a beautiful guilloché dial.

Dating back to the year 2000 as we can clearly see by the printing, just above the 6 o'clock marker, on the guilloché dial. On the crown we find an exquisite blue sapphire cabochon, a detail that is continued on the elegant blued sword-shaped hands. The watch comes on a stunning blue alligator strap with 18k white-gold 'Butterfly' clasp. This wonderful Santos Dumont has received a full service and is ready for its new owner to be enjoyed.