Cartier
Santos Dumont 'CPCP', Reference 1576B | A yellow gold wristwatch | Circa 2001
Lot Closed
May 14, 11:36 AM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 10,000 CHF
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: manual winding, jewelled
Case: 18k yellow gold, case back secured by 4 screws
Case number: N°0176CC
Closure: 18k yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp
Size: 36 x 27 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Cartier presentation case
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
The Cartier Santos-Dumont is a refined and elegant wristwatch that pays homage to the pioneering spirit of aviation and the legacy of Alberto Santos-Dumont. First designed in 1904, the Santos-Dumont was created at the request of the famed Brazilian aviator, who needed a timepiece that could be easily read while flying. Louis Cartier answered this request with one of the world's first purpose-built wristwatches, featuring a sleek, square case with exposed screws—an innovative and instantly recognizable design that has remained a hallmark of the Santos collection ever since.
Unlike the sportier Santos de Cartier models, the Santos-Dumont embraces a thinner, more dress-oriented profile, often crafted in precious metals such as pink gold, white gold, or platinum. It typically features a hand-wound mechanical movement, allowing for a sleek and refined aesthetic. With its Roman numeral dial, railroad minute track, and signature blue cabochon crown, the Santos-Dumont embodies the timeless elegance of Cartier’s design philosophy while maintaining a direct connection to its aviation heritage.