From 1963 to 1994, it can be seen that this series has slowly evolved. Since 1973, more styles and materials have been added. For example, in 1978, the Santos used stainless steel and gold, which was the first time in Cartier watch production, and also a big innovation in the design of the watch.

Material Innovation in 1978 (Left)

Commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Birth of the Santos Series in 1994 (Right)

The mosaic inlaid watch in 2012 Brought Santos to a more artistic perspective.

This Manual-winding Watch is Limited to 40 Pieces in that Year

Santos has left too many works, and when we comment on products, we always like to mention history. There is a very simple reason – a product that has been sold for more than 100 years, and it has been proved by time.

But what is also proven by history is that value needs to keep pace with the times to prosper.

Therefore, it is a pity that this history only stays in the text description.

Not long ago, Cartier launched the new Tank Shanghai (formerly known as the Longhua Airport storage tank built in 1917, the flight-related genes determine this encounter), expressing the history of Sandus in a high-tech way, this exhibition has lasted for three days.

Night View of the Tank Shanghai

In other words, Cartier uses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology to let us “travel” to Paris in the early 20th century, just like experiencing the same scene as the audience of that year, and even simulate the flight of Santos.

In order to make the experience more realistic, we will see an Eiffel Tower about 12 meters high at the exhibition site. From the perspective of AR, the plane will surround the tower and take a view of Paris in 3D. In particular, everyone must wear VR glasses, as if flying personally through the plane to Paris, leap to the Paris Opera and the Seine…

It is said that the AR and VR devices of this exhibition were created by story creators, designers, developers and game engineers from 10 countries. It took 5 months to complete the project, and 3 months of them were drawing the clouds in the order under the lens to accurately present their alternating complex transparency – not hesitate to pay a lot of money, just for a short three days.

In fact, there are not many models that we can see on the day of the exhibition, including a total of about 20 collections and new watches, but in my opinion, the experience itself is the most valuable.

Of course, this year’s new Santos series still has to be mentioned, since I have saw it adapt to the changes of the times – whether the shape or the strap design.

Style Changes is Enough to Meet Demand

When Cartier redesigned, it left three core elements: comfortable to wear, clever layout and continuation of its logo aesthetics. Therefore, it is still a square watch (to pay tribute to the design of the Eiffel Tower), and of course retain the 8 screws of the bezel (the screw design of the year is also a big sign). In addition, the lines of the case and the bracelet are more harmonious, and the bracelet is more docile.

The Skeleton Design is Also Quite Tasteful

Most importantly, Cartier made a QuickSwitch setting under the strap so that the strap can be replaced at will.

You Can Do it by Yourself

More intimate is still behind, if the size is not suitable, even the bracelet can be easily cut off. The new Santos series has a SmartLink metal bracelet adjustment system that I have tried before, it is are easy to operate.

In the past, I defined Santos as a male model (in contrast, the tank is more suitable for women), but this year completely broke the gender, the colorful strap also let Santos have a modern taste.

A friend recently asked me to introduce a fashionable square watch. Of course, the brand should be good enough. First, the potential consciousness of most people regard the round watch as the first choice, and there are not many people who actively want to have a square watch. Secondly, the word “fashionable” lets me think for a few minutes.

For me, the first watch in my life is a square watch, so I have a natural closeness to this friend, then I thoughtfully responded to her: Santos.

Perhaps mentioning Cartier, the Balloon Blue de Cartier is that you can’t miss in your mind (born in 2007, creating an amazing market), but the Santos with more than 100 years of history has more interesting stories with deep historical imprint.

After all, the watches with stories always make people think for a long time.

The history of Santos watches are well-known the watch lovers, but many details may not be truly restored. It is a watch related to human flight, and the initial solution is actually a practical problem – how to make it easier for the pilot to read the time while operating the aircraft.

The protagonist of the story is the famous Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos Dumont, and of course the other is his friend Louis Cartier.

Alberto Santos Dumont & Louis Cartier

One afternoon in October 1901, the people of Paris came to Saint-Cloud because they wanted to witness a flying feat – Sandos would test his Santos VI again and plan to surround the Eiffel Tower and returned to its original location. At the time, Louis Cartier had set a table next to the Eiffel Tower, and together with the famous novelists Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, prepared to celebrate Alberto Santos Dumont.

Santos and his Aircraft

In fact, just two months ago, Sandos suffered a defeat in driving the Santos V. However, this did not prevent him from driving the No. 6 spacecraft to continue the challenge.

When Santos walked around the Eiffel Tower, he suffered three engine lockouts. He relied on his own insurance, but spent a lot of time in dealing with the crisis, such as throwing sandbags. Although the final landing successfully, the audience also flocked to congratulate him on his success, but got bad news – because his performance exceeded the specified time of 40 seconds, he did not win the grand prize.

That night, Santos was very lost. He came to Maxim’s restaurant and told his friend Louis Cartier that he couldn’t take out his pocket watch to confirm the time when his hands had to control the spacecraft, so he lost.

Unintentional complaints, but it is remembered in Louise Cartier’s hearts. In 1904, the Cartier Santos watch was born to put the watch on the wrist and make it easier for the pilot to read the time.

Santos Watch in 1904

Santos is a person who is completely passionate about his dreams. He has not applied for any patents in his life, but this watch has completely recorded this history.

Later, Sandos himself’s fashion demonstration role also attracted the Paris citizens to be eager for this watch, Santos has also become one of Cartier’s classic series. In 1908, Cartier satisfied the desire of a few specific customers to own the watch, and according to the Cartier Company’s records, about 770 watches were produced from 1911 to 1973.

First, let’s take a look at the Santos watches from 1921 and 1926.

The Leather Strap Piece (Left) Belonged to Indian Maharaja of Rajpipla