The Santos-Dumont

Cartier’s Santos Dumont W2008751 Men’s Watch proves a modern look can also be timeless. According to Cartier’s website, the first watch produced of this model was a gift to a famed Brazilian aviation pioneer named Santos-Dumont. That was in 1904, and though the watch has a classic Cartier air to it, its square shape still evokes a bit of a modernist vibe. Call it modern nostalgic.

The W2008751 is a large model with an 18k yellow gold square case. The watch’s crown is also 18k yellow gold, set with a sapphire, and the dial is silver. The dial window is scratch-resistant sapphire. The watch face has the offset Cartier Roman numerals and hands of black oxidized steel. The alligator skin wrist strap is fastened with an adjustable buckle, which is also 18k gold. The Santos Dumont movement is mechanical, with Cartier manual winding. It is water resistant up to 100 feet. The case is 1.76 inches by 1.36 inches and about a fifth of an inch thick.

The Cartier Santos Dumont W2008751 men’s watch retails for $4,300 and can be purchased at the Cartier website or one of many Cartier boutiques. It has a two year manufacturer’s warranty as well as the Cartier International Guarantee.