Cartier Santos Vendôme Lady - ref. 8191 - c. 1990

Dare to be different

Description

Françoise is always fascinated by the variations that Cartier can create from a single design. The Maison has long mastered the art of playing with shapes, colours and proportions while preserving its unmistakable DNA, and here is yet another example. Cartier retains the geometric spirit and signature codes of the Santos, while transforming its iconic square into a round case.

We rediscover the studded bezel set against an 18-carat yellow gold case, a detail that defined the success of the Santos throughout the 1980s. In this fully rounded interpretation, Cartier plays subtly with symmetry, distributing the studs across the bezel in a slightly asymmetrical manner. Reference 8191 may appear more discreet with its 27 mm diameter, yet it remains remarkably distinctive thanks to its deep, rich burgundy dial.

It is mounted on a custom-made black lizard leather strap, paired with the original Cartier steel buckle.

Why did Françoise choose it?

This yellow gold and steel Cartier Santos, small model, is perfectly suited to everyday wear. It confidently embraces a sporty yet refined aesthetic, mounted on a leather strap and unmistakably Cartier. The suppleness of the strap, paired with a folding clasp, and the slimness of the case make it exceptionally comfortable on the wrist.

There is no doubt that Françoise has a particular affection for the Santos, an essential model within the Cartier repertoire. This version revisits its iconic codes, with a twist. Round Cartier watches, particularly those with a sporty character, are far less common. And this Santos Vendôme with its burgundy dial is rarer still.

History

Like the Cartier Tank, the Cartier Santos is one of Cartier’s legendary creations. It was conceived in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. A pioneering watch, not only for aviation, but in the history of watchmaking itself, it became the first men’s wristwatch to be commercially produced in 1911.

In the 1980s, the line evolved into two distinct families: the Santos-Dumont, faithful to the original design, and the Santos, which embraced modernity with its integrated bracelet and visible screws. To this day, the Cartier Santos continues to be reinterpreted in multiple versions and remains an undeniable icon of the Maison.