The Santos de Cartier is a watch that was made to honor the aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. Dumont lived between 1873 and 1932. He was a Brazilian aeronaut and inventor that contributed significantly to both lighter than air and heavier than air aircraft. He experimented with many balloons and even gas-powered balloons in Paris, where he lived most of his life. He pioneered Balloon, Glider, Helicopter and even standard Plane technology.
Brazilians to this day claim that he deserves the title of the “Father of Flight” since his achievements occurred before the Wright Brothers took flight. In fact, he won several aeronautical awards and even flew around the Eiffel Tower in 1901 – two years before the Wright Brothers took off in Kitty Hawk.
Santos de Cartier Timepiece
This is an iconic watch, with rounded angles and exposed screws. In addition, this Cartier watch model has a 7-sided crown, mechanical movement, a silvered opaline dial, and an alligator watchband.
In 1904, Louis Cartier granted the wish of the famous aviator: to be able to tell the time while flying. Cartier revolutionized watchmaking by creating the first modern watch designed to be worn on the wrist. Yet, he admired the constant reinvention that epitomized Alberto Santos Dumont and his desire to always innovate and make progress.
The new chronograph reference WSSA0017 has some new and distinct features over the original chronograph pictured above. The Santos chronograph is an extra-large model with a 43.3mm case which is 12.5 mm thick. It has a mechanical movement with automatic winding. It is powered by the caliber 1904 CH MC.
It has a steel case, and an ADLC bezel. It has a 7-sided crown set with a faceted black synthetic spinel, satin-brushed silver dial, black steel sword-shaped hands with luminescent material. The face of the timepiece is covered by scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
It has two straps including a rubber strap and a second one made from black “Gomma” alligator leather. It has a steel folding buckle. Both bracelets are fitted with the “QuickSwitch” interchangeability system. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar (approx. 100 meters).
There are plenty of different models of Santos de Cartier to choose from. Most are non-chronograph and still retain the same square look that was promoted by Cartier for over 120 years.
The Chronograph shown her lists new on the Cartier site for $9,400. However some of the older models are selling after market for half that price. A new reference WSSA0017 also comes with an 8 year warrantee.
Rubber B has launched a wide selection of watch bands that can support nearly any timepiece including Cartier.
First, Rubber B launched the Structure Series. The These luxury watch straps bring together two very different elements, usually considered opposites: rubber and leather. Although they are both very desirable and necessary to each individual’s particular needs, these two materials rarely share the spotlight together on a host watch, as a classic, balanced execution has not previously existed with non-integrated universal watch straps. The Structure Series comes with 3 sizes – 18 mm, 20 mm, and 22 mm and comes in both Black and Brown leather with a Rubber underside.
More recently Rubber B launched its fully 100% Vegan Friendly lineup of watch bands which are made from 100% rubber and no animal skin. This high-tech watch band is made of “SwimSkin®”, our exclusive patented technology, created over a developmental period of many years, requiring all-new innovative machinery and engineering techniques. These watch bands look and feel like real leather but are fully machine designed in Switzerland of the finest Vulcanized Rubber available.
Rubber B decided to challenge the industry again with a band that can be fully designed, customized and made exclusive by the consumer. The B2 Series of bands can combine multiple colors, stitching options, clasp options, and designs. A watch owner can even engrave their own messages into the band itself and upload a unique design right into the configuration tool.
