CARTIER HAS A PENCHANT for creating watches of aspiration. Ask anyone what their dream watch is, and many will mention a Cartier creation. Those who work in or around aviation—or who love flying in general—find the Santos de Cartier the perfect answer. It is minimalist yet sleek and stylish watch with roots in early 20th-century aviation.
Today, it has entered the public consciousness in a big way. A lot of it has to do with its origins, but part of it has to do with its popularity in Hollywood.
Swooping In From The Clouds
In 1904, Brazilian-born aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont approached Louis Cartier, seeking an elegant and practical watch for his aerial adventures. Cartier responded by designing a wristwatch that had a distinctive square shape, clear legibility, and precise proportions, which was in some ways a departure from the pocket watches of the time. This innovative timepiece, unveiled in 1911, became the first practical wristwatch for men and quickly gained popularity among Paris’ elite.
At this point, we must understand Santos-Dumont’s importance in the world of science and industry. He was the son of Henrique Dumont, a Brazilian engineer and coffee magnate who played a huge role in modernising the coffee industry to its status as a world beverage.
Having inherited his father’s penchant for innovation, Santos-Dumont designed and built the first modern, engine-powered airships, winning the Deutsch de la Meurthe Prize (then the biggest in aviation) in 1901 for flying his airship, the Santos-Dumont No. 6, around the Eiffel Tower. Without a doubt, his innovations contributed to those of two aeronauts also active at that time—the Wright brothers.
This story is from the Issue 207 (November 2024) edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 207 (November 2024) edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
GROWING PAINS
AT MILAN FASHION WEEK, ONITSUKA TIGER UNVEILED ITS SPRING/SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION, WHICH TOUCHES ON A SUBJECT EACH OF US IS MORE THAN FAMILIAR WITH.
A Watch For The Global Citizen
Before you make your travel plans for 2025, get the perfect watch for the modern nomad.
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
ONE-THIRD OF HOUSEHOLDS around the world have a pet dog.
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.
PARADISE FOUD
It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).
Sunday Island Mornings
An island cluster so beautiful that Harry Winston made a watch in its honour.
A Clear Vision Of The Future
With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.
THE MAN OF MANY TASTES
On the opening day of his longgestating contemporary Italian restaurant Le Pristine in Singapore, the Esteemed chef Sergio Herman gives us a poignant account of why his philosophy of gastronomy is fundamentally inclusive.
