Cartier - Santos Carrée - 1172961 - Men - 1978

The wristwatch here on auction is a RARE and quite GORGEOUS piece from my Father’s collection of wristwatches : a Santos de Cartier Steel and Gold 18 K. CARRÉE model, Automatic with date display. This wristwatch is in almost brand new conditions, really excellent ones. To be precise, there are minimal, almost invisible signs here and there, due to its age of 48 years. Once worn, they are practically invisible, and anyways well shown in the photographs. All the parts of this wristwatch are original. SANTOS DE CARTIER : the birth of a project : 1904 : Louis Cartier fulfills the wish of the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont : to be able to check, to know and to tell the time while in flight. Thus, one of the first wristwatches was born, cementing the friendship between two pioneers. Its rounded-corner dial, harmoniously shaped lugs, and exposed screws are hallmarks of a timepiece that would undergo numerous reinterpretations. The exposed screws were a deliberate aesthetic choice; at a time when most watchmakers concealed all signs of construction, Cartier proudly displayed them, evoking the riveted girders of the Eiffel Tower. Steel case, 18K yellow gold (750/1000) bezel, polygonal crown set with a faceted synthetic spinel, silvered opaline dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and sapphire crystal. Reference number : 128561 mod. 1172961 A true “ICON"—and a rarity, especially in this condition and with its original box. This Steel and Gold 18 K. wristwatch CARRÉE model from Santos de Cartier, shall NOT be confused with the 1990s re-edition known as the Cartier Santos Galbée (model 187 901), which is of significantly lower value (and aesthetic appeal !) and much more common to be found. A precious Iconic wristwatch which shouldn’t be missing in any collection of any passionate and demanding collector !! P.S. : I’ll be away from home, starting from the morning of October 26 until the evening of October 30. Therefore, in case the auction should finish during these days, please consider that I will be able to ship the lot starting from October 31. Thanks for your patience.

Estimate:$6,180.44

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