Vintage Cartier Santos Quartz, Ref. 187901, Roman numerals, Date window

The Cartier Santos is one of those watches that everyone recognizes — and for good reason. Originally created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, it’s widely considered one of the first purpose-built wristwatches ever made. This quartz-era example keeps all the DNA that made the Santos legendary, while offering easy, everyday wear.

This piece features the instantly recognizable square case with exposed screws, a clean white dial with bold Roman numerals, and classic blued steel hands. The proportions are spot on at 29mm x 41mm. The mix of brushed steel and warm gold bezel keeps it elegant but never boring.

The Santos has been worn by icons across generations - from Andy Warhol, who famously said he didn’t wear a watch to tell time but because he liked it, to modern celebrities like Tom Cruise, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rami Malek. More than a watch, the Santos is a design statement and a true piece of horological history - instantly cool, endlessly wearable, and always relevant.

CASE
29mm x 41mm stainless steel case with gold bezel
Signature square Santos design with exposed screws
Brushed finish 

MOVEMENT
Swiss quartz movement
Reliable, low-maintenance everyday wear

DIAL
White dial
Black Roman numerals
Blued steel hands
Date window on 6
Classic Cartier minute track

ERA
1990s
Quartz era of the Cartier Santos, following the model’s original 1904 release