Santos Dumont

The Cartier Santos-Dumont, reference WSSA0022, is the watch that started it all, born from a conversation between Louis Cartier and the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, and widely considered one of the very first wristwatches ever made. Over a century later, it remains one of the most elegant and culturally significant timepieces in the world. This certified pre-owned example from 2024 is offered in very good condition.

Crafted in polished stainless steel, the WSSA0022 presents the Santos-Dumont in its large format, with a beautifully elongated rectangular case measuring 43.5 x 31.4mm and just 7.3mm in height, giving it an extraordinarily slim profile that slides under a cuff with effortless grace. The exposed square screws on the bezel and the beaded crown set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon are quintessentially Cartier, details that have defined the Santos family for generations.

The silvered satin-brushed dial with sunray effect is serene and perfectly composed, with bold Roman numerals, a railway-track minute ring, and Cartier’s iconic blued-steel sword hands providing a crisp, timeless contrast. A dial that has never needed updating because it was right from the very beginning.

Powering the watch is a high-autonomy quartz movement with an approximate six-year battery life, keeping the Santos-Dumont exceptionally slim and impeccably accurate with minimal maintenance.

The watch is delivered on its original navy blue alligator leather strap with steel ardillon buckle, completing a package that is as refined as it is historically significant.

Available now at Montreva, this certified pre-owned luxury watch is a rare opportunity for collectors of pre-owned luxury timepieces in Zürich.

A pre-owned watch in Zürich that invented the wristwatch, and has never stopped being relevant.