Editor’s note: The Santos has come a long way since it was first wrapped around the wrist of famed pioneering pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont. What was first a small piece of mechanical genius attached to his wrist by a sliver of soft leather is now a complete collection that features an amazing QuickSwitch strap-changing system, as well as a very clever SmartLink bracelet resizing technique. What forever remains, however, is the powerful appeal of the Santos — as strong today as when those magnificent men in their flying machines first took to the skies. It’s a tricky task upgrading a storied and legendary watch such as the Santos — you must innovate while appearing to be unchanging. It’s a job that Cartier have pulled off with aplomb at SIHH 2018. The new Santos is the star in their masculine line-up, a sensitive update that brings the design very much up to date. But first, a quick origin story. The Santos claims the enviable title of the first modern wristwatch, made by Louis Cartier in 1904 for Brazilian aviator, bon vivant and (apparently) all-round cool guy Alberto Santos-Dumont. The watch quickly caught on and has had pride of place in Cartier’s line-up ever since. So…
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