What can I say about this model, a total success. The Santos Dumont is an iconic watch, with all the Cartier codes, the secret signature, the sword hands, the railway minute track…

Two hands, extra flat, a sublime leather strap, it is the elegant watch to have in a collection. In my opinion, in the Santos range, it is the most refined, the one that stands out among the very pretty dress watches.


The sublime Santos Dumont.

Great model that most people find too big, too thick, but in everyday life it is clearly forgotten on the wrist, a solid and magnificent watch. Small downside, I strongly advise against it for people with a small wrist, the rendering would not necessarily be very pretty. In summary, a superb watch for everyday use.

Don’t hesitate!

The brand Cartier, recognized worldwide as a symbol of prestige and luxury, has a rich history spanning more than a century and a half. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-Fran&ccedil;ois Cartier, it has since been associated with royalty and the worldly elite. During the post-war period in the 1950s, Cartier began to consolidate its position as a leader in the field of fine watchmaking. Innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship have led to global brand recognition.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Cartier brand</h2>
One of the key moments for Cartier was the creation of the Tank watch in 1917. Inspired by British tanks from the First World War, it quickly became a symbol of modernity and elegance. Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint-Laurent were among the famous wearers of this model.&nbsp;During the 1960s and 1970s, Cartier continued to innovate with bold designs and new collections. In 1972, the company came under the control of the Pearson Group, marking a crucial step in its international expansion.
Cartier's commitment to excellence, innovation and unique design has allowed the brand to remain at the top of the fine jewelry and watchmaking industry, an integral part of global luxury culture.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Cartier&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier/tank">Cartier Tank</a></h3>
The model Tank is undoubtedly one of the most iconic watches of all time. Designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier himself, the design is inspired by Renault military tanks which could be observed from the windows of Cartier's studio in Paris during the First World War. The silhouette of the Tank is simple but bold, characterized by its straight and parallel lines of the case, symbolizing the tracks of the tank, while the bezel evokes the turret of this same war machine.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier/santos">Cartier Santos</a></h3>
The Cartier Santos holds a special place in watchmaking history, as it is considered one of the first wristwatches created specifically for men. Born from a friendship between Louis Cartier and the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was designed in 1904 to meet Santos-Dumont's need to be able to tell the time while piloting his plane.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Pasha</h3>
The Cartier Pasha is more than a watch; she is a style statement. It embodies a time when luxury and adventure went hand in hand, and where elegance was not incompatible with robustness. The Pasha is a watch for those looking to stand out from the crowd, and it continues to be a pillar in the Cartier collection. The Pasha's bold design and refined details make it a timeless piece that transcends generations.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Ballon Bleu</h3>
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a watch that combines tradition and innovation. Its soft shape and clean dial make it a refined choice for those who appreciate both classic style and modernity. Whether in simple version or with exquisite complications, the Ballon Bleu stands out for its timeless beauty and discreet elegance. It embodies the very essence of what a Cartier watch should be, with a distinctive design that is both instantly recognizable and universally appealing.
<h3 dir="ltr">Cartier Panth&egrave;re</h3>
The Cartier Panth&egrave;re is more than a watch; it's a jewel, a style statement. She captures the essence of the modern woman: independent, elegant and daring. The Panth&egrave;re continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking a watch that is both a fashion accessory and an emblem of Cartier's rich and innovative history. Its timeless design ensures that it will remain a beloved classic for generations to come.
<h2 dir="ltr">Cartier: The Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers</h2>
Cartier embodies the quintessence of luxury and elegance in the world of watchmaking. Each model tells a story, reflecting the cultural richness and innovation that are at the heart of the brand. Its royal heritage and commitment to artisanal excellence position Cartier as a go-to brand for those seeking to express sophistication and status. The variety of designs, ranging from classic to modern, ensures that every wearer finds a piece that suits them.
The brand's website is an essential source of useful information, as are watchmaking blogs. The Dialicious Owners' reviews are also essential to make the right choice of models from this prestigious brand. Choosing a Cartier watch is choosing a piece of history, an object of art, and a symbol of status and success in today's world.
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Cartier.
(Updated December 2023)

Cartier Santos-Dumont large model. Quartz movement and it suits it well since I don't wear it every day. The dial is beautiful, the level of finish is also very good and the bracelet is very high quality with a pin buckle. It goes just as well with a suit as with more casual outfits, even a t-shirt or polo shirt. It is discreet but attracts a lot of compliments. It is an ideal watch to celebrate a life event as are all Cartier watches!

The all-terrain elegance of Cartier

Accustomed to round sports watches with black backgrounds, this Cartier breaks my usual codes: square shape, white background, Roman numerals... it is a watch of incredible elegance, moreover it is unclassifiable. Cartier is a real watch manufacturer and this idea takes on its full meaning when you put it on your wrist.

Shake up the codes


This watch can mean different things to different people, but to me it embodies an immense history enclosed in a magnificently proportioned case.

It is indeed a watch originally created for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who made the first successful flight in an airplane in 1906. At the pilot's request, his friend Louis Cartier is said to have presented him in 1904 with a watch designed to be worn on the wrist, allowing him to time his flights without having to let go of the controls to manipulate a pocket watch. I find it fascinating that the alliance between these two pioneers, Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos-Dumont, not only revolutionized the way watches are worn today, but also pioneered the concept of the tool watch. The choice of gold for a tool watch may seem paradoxical, but what other choice could there be to accompany an aristocrat, a member of the Parisian elite of the early 20th century, on his aerial adventures? Probably my favorite detail on this watch.

But the story behind this watch is also emotional to me. After breaking many records and contributing significantly to the developments of aviation, Alberto Santos-Dumont spent decades campaigning tirelessly against the use of airplanes as weapons of war, particularly upset by their role in World War I. He considered the airplane to be partly his invention and its use in the world wars tormented him until the end of his life. His famous statement, “I never thought that my creation could allow brothers to kill brothers”. Certainly a man I find remarkable, whose destiny seems to me very linked to that of Oppenheimer and who in my humble opinion should be highlighted by Cartier to promote their eponymous watch.

As for the design, this 1575 pre-CPCP faithfully reflects the original design, right down to the screws on the bezel, designed to recall the structure of the Eiffel Tower. This case embodies for me the height of the artistic effervescence of the Belle Époque and it is the first incarnation of the so emblematic design of Cartier that I particularly admire. Moreover, although the current design of the Santos and Santos-Dumont is different, they symbolize, like the original SD, the evolution of lifestyles, in particular the possibility of wearing them with a metal bracelet. This watch is exceptionally long-lasting.

The movement of this 1575 is just as historic since it is the F. Piguet caliber 21, which held the record for the thinnest manual movement for 21 years. Its longevity is just as remarkable as the design of the Santos-Dumont since it was produced from 1925 until the 2000s. I am a fan of two or three hands, and an ultra-thin movement represents for me one of the most beautiful complications a watch can have. While the design may be striking, it is extremely discreet in its size and exceptional thinness. It fits my wrist perfectly, becoming one with me. I also appreciate the fact that it leaves enough space for the bracelet, showing off a beautiful leather strap. Everything I love...

While I am not an aviation enthusiast, this watch has as much historical significance to me as a Speedmaster. It is a bastion of history, utility and design with a presence that cannot be ignored.

A condensed history

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

Cartier Santos Dumont Owner Review : Classy, historical and chic

The sublime Santos Dumont.

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