Written by:  Margaret Burns

 A little history lesson:

According to the Cartier website, in 1904, Louis Cartier designed a watch for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed to be able to easily check the time while still maintaining control over his aircraft.  What he ended up with was one of the first watches specifically designed to be worn strapped to the wrist.  More than a century later, the Cartier Santos 100 line celebrates this innovation.  The Cartier Santos 100 Chronograph Automatic Men’s Extra Large Watch W20091X7 pays homage to that original Santos de Cartier watch, following in the same Art Deco style, industrial design, and metal architecture.  It is a very wearable watch, one that a man could easily wear for all occasions.

Watch Features:

• Automatic Chronograph movement
• White Dial
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
• Case is made of 18K white gold
• 18K Yellow gold bezel
• Brown alligator strap
• Case back is screwed down
• Push in crown
• Deployment buckle clasp
• Round case diameter is 42 mm (1.65 in)
• Strap is 9 in (22.9 cm)
• Strap is sizeable
• Water proof up to 100 meters (330 feet)
• Made in Switzerland

The extra-large model Cartier Santos 100 Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch W20091X7 shares its aesthetics with other watches in the Santos 100 line.  It features black Roman numeral hour markers and luminescent sword shaped black oxidized steel hands.  The date is displayed between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock markers.  The white gold case contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold bezel (both 18K), and the watch becomes even more visually striking with the addition of the extra large, sizeable, brown alligator strap.  In addition, the yellow gold bezel is dotted with Cartier’s iconic screws.  At a price ranging from $8,419 up to the list price of $11,225, this watch runs about mid-price range for the Santos 100 line. Because this watch is the extra large size, there are also identical watches available with shorter strap lengths.

The Cartier Santos 100 Chronograph Automatic Men’s Extra Large Watch W20091X7 is a beautiful watch with an interesting history.  Its square face with rounded edges is classically styled, elegant yet masculine, and the black Roman numerals in contrast to the white dial are visually appealing. The beautiful white and yellow gold of the case are also striking in their opposition, as well as elegant and classic, while the brown alligator strap offers comfort to the wearer.  It’s a timepiece suitable for any man to wear, day or night, work or weekend, casual or formal.  It is even safe and appropriate to wear while flying a plane.