Cartier Santos de Cartier — Large | Ref. WSSA0018

Few watches carry a origin story as compelling as the Santos. Conceived in 1904 at the request of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont — who needed to read the time without taking his hands off the controls — it became one of the first wristwatches ever made. Over a century later, the architecture remains unmistakable: exposed screws, a square case with softened angles, and a dial that commands attention without demanding it.

This example is the large model in polished stainless steel, presenting in excellent condition with box and papers. The silvered opaline dial is clean and bright, framed by black Roman numerals and swept by blued-steel sword hands. Powered by Cartier's in-house Calibre 1847 MC automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The 7-sided crown is set with a faceted synthetic spinel — a detail that's easy to overlook and hard to forget once you notice it.

Offered on the steel bracelet with SmartLink sizing and includes the original calfskin strap, new and unworn, with the steel folding buckle. Both are fitted with Cartier's QuickSwitch system, making swaps effortless.

A watch with the right history, the right proportions, and no shortage of versatility.