Cartier, Santos 100 XL, Ref. 2657, no. 9613xxx, circa 2005. An imposing and beautiful large square gold watch, satin-finish case and polished gold screw-down bezel, silver dial, black enameled minute track and radiant Roman numerals, luminous glaive hands, permanent center seconds. Sapphire-set crown, screw-down caseback, self-winding mechanical movement. Original gold folding clasp. Supplied with case. Excellent overall condition, both aesthetically and mechanically, with a few minor surface scratches. In 1904, Louis Cartier created the first wristwatch to meet the needs of aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont, who realized the peril of having to consult his pocket watch and hold the controls with only one hand. Available since 1911, the Santos has been part of the exclusive club of timepieces marketed for more than a century, in numerous variations. Dim 38 x 38 mm - B.P. 196 g. A impressive large yellow gold square wristwatch, gold bezel, silver dial, black enamel radiant Roman numerals, luminous hands, permanent central seconds. Sapphire-set crown, automatic winding movement. Original yellow gold deployant buckle. Fitted with a box, the present timepiece is preserved in very good overall condition, showingcasing deep hallmarks. In 1904, Louis Cartier created the first wristwatch to meet the needs of aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont, who confided the danger of having to consult his pocket watch and thus only hold the controls of his plane with one hand. Declined in the catalog since 1911, the Santos is part of the very exclusive club of timepieces marketed for more than a century, in different versions.