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Cartier Santos Dumond OvalCartier Santos Dumond Oval

Cartier Santos Oval 18k

Cartier is known for its many variations upon a central theme: white dial, black Roman numerals, heat-blued sword hands and an elegant case shape. This particular example is a variation on the iconic Santos case shape. The Santos Oval.

This model is reminiscent of a brass porthole, as you would find on a beautiful wooden sail yacht. In fact, this watch would not look bad on such a yacht! As long as you keep it dry, of course.

Although there is plenty of beauty on the outside of this Santos Oval, there is a lot to be admired on the inside as well. Although it measures a mere four millimetres in height, including the caseback, the dial, the space for the hands and the crystal, there is still enough room for a manually wound mechanical movement. A rather impressive ultra-thin Frederic Piguet movement, to be precise.

For the connoisseurs: this is a Paris-signed Cartier. It comes on an original Must de Cartier strap with a gold-plated Cartier buckle. A very attractive package indeed.

Year 1980

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Details
Brand Cartier
Diameter 26 mm x 28 mm
Model Santos Oval
Bracelet/strap: Leather
Year of production (circa) 1980
Buckle/clasp Aftermarket plated
Material 18k Yellow gold
Lug Width 17 mm
Crystal Mineral
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color White
Movement Hand-wound
Backstory

Amsterdam Pocket Watch Company. Or Amsterdam Women’s-only Watch Company. Two alternate realities that could have been, if it weren’t for Louis Cartier. Many of our brands can lay claim on important horological innovations, but Cartier is the one that started the wristwatch game for men with the Santos.

The Brazilian dandy Alberto Santos Dumont inquired with his friend Louis Cartier about a better solution for telling time while flying. His pocket watch was rather cumbersome in flight. Louis Cartier designed a flat, square watch for him in 1904: the Cartier Santos.

While, for a long time, watches were used for navigation, this was not yet the case for dear old Santos. His flight, the first to ever be caught on film, lasted for only 21 seconds. Not a lot of navigation required there! He was wearing the world’s first men’s wristwatch though.

The Santos went into large-scale production in 1911, fitted with a Jaeger caliber inside. The cases came in platinum or gold and the Santos came on the very first ever folding clasp, fitted to brown or black leather straps.

The 1970’s Quartz crisis and Audemars Piguet’s brilliant answer in the Royal Oak, triggered Cartier to morph the Santos into a modern sports watch. A steel version on an integrated steel bracelet was introduced in 1978, the Santos de Cartier. A more rounded, quartz powered Santos Galbée was launched in 1987. Multiple variations on the theme were launched since. If it is the classical look you are after, the Santos Dumont remains most faithful to the very first Santos from 1904.

While the Santos debuted as the tool-watch for men. It has aged into a classical, more dressy watch for men and women alike. As we are slowly but surely moving away from gender-specific watches, the Santos is a prime example of a watch for everyone. A design classic with a story that will surely captivate your audience, next time you have drinks with friends.

Shipping

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Brand

Cartier

Model

Year of production (circa)

1980

Material

18k Yellow gold

Crystal

Mineral

Dial color

White

Movement

Hand-wound

Diameter

26 mm x 28 mm

Bracelet/strap:

Leather

Buckle/clasp

Aftermarket plated

Lug Width

17 mm