The Santos is a landmark in watchmaking history, originally designed in 1904 for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, it was one of the first wristwatches ever made. Decades later, in 1978, Cartier reintroduced the design with a bold new look: a square case, visible screws, and an integrated bracelet that helped define the emerging luxury sport watch category.
This particular example is a rare and luxurious version from that era, crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold. It features a silvered/white dial with Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and Cartier’s signature sapphire cabochon crown. Powered by an automatic movement, it combines everyday practicality with unmistakable elegance. The full-gold Santos Carrée remains one of the most desirable expressions of Cartier’s modern design language, confident, refined, and rooted in history.