Cartier Santos-Dumont Large 78097 - Yellow Gold - Manual Wind - Box Only

Santos-Dumont Large 78097 - Yellow Gold - Manual Wind - Box Only

The Cartier Santos-Dumont in solid 18k yellow gold is one of the purest expressions of the Santos line, named after the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont for whom Louis Cartier designed the original wristwatch in 1904. This 78097 reference is the larger, hand-wound dress evolution of the model, produced from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, and is increasingly recognised as a vintage Cartier icon in its purest form: thin, manually wound, all-gold, and unmistakably Santos.

This particular example is in highly attractive condition. The case is sharp and full, with the brushed top surfaces and polished bevels still well defined - it has clearly not been over-polished. The original "Swiss" only dial (without "Swiss Made") is a hallmark of the earlier production years and is in lovely state, with crisp black Roman numerals, the printed inner railroad minute track, and the Cartier signature at the centre all clean. The blued steel sword hands have retained their colour beautifully.

Details:

• Reference: 78097
• Case: 18k yellow gold, large rectangular Santos profile with exposed bezel screws, brushed top with polished bevels. 25mm. 
• Dial: White lacquer with black Roman numerals, printed minute track, "Swiss" only signature at 6 o'clock - vintage marker
• Hands: Blued steel sword hands
• Crown: 18k yellow gold with blue sapphire cabochon
• Movement: Manual-winding Cartier mechanical caliber
• Strap: Brown leather on original 18k yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp, signed Cartier with patent markings
• Water Resistance: Not water resistant - dress watch

Set Includes:

• Original Cartier box
• No papers

Condition:

• Very sharp case with nice bevels still present, minimal polishing
• Original dial in excellent state. Minor hairlines in the crystal. 
• Original 18k yellow gold folding clasp - factory correct
• Running and keeping time accurately
• Light wear on the leather strap consistent with age

The 78097 is a connoisseur's Cartier - a thin, gold, manually-wound Santos in the larger proportions, with a true vintage dial and an original gold deployant. Versions in this state of preservation, with original components throughout, have become considerably harder to find.