Did you ever wonder what wristwatches looked like when they were first introduced in the early 20th Century or how their size has grown in volume in the past couple of decades? Online retailer WorldofWatches.com explores this horological phenomenon with their Evolution of Time watch history review.
Timepieces from the early 1900’s to today are featured in this comprehensive watch guide. Popular models from the leading watchmakers in the world: Cartier, Rolex, Breitling, Hamilton, Bulova, Lucien Piccard, Timex, Omega, Officine Panerai , Citizen, TAG Heuer, Piaget, IWC, Longines, Invicta and Swiss Legend are included.
It’s interesting to note that the Cartier Santos, one of the very first wrist watches, was originally developed as a favor for pilot Alberto Santos Dumont, who asked Louis Cartier in 1904 to design a watch we could wear on his wrist, since pocket watches were too cumbersome to use when flying. This classic timepiece was 31mm wide, 9mm thick and considerably diminutive by today’s standards.
The Cartier Santos wristwatch has grown in size since its inception. Newer models are considerably wider, yet are as thin and lightweight as their predecessors. In 2006, Cartier introduced an updated version of the Santos, the Santos 100 timepiece in both standard and extra-large sizes.
The Santos 100 was Cartier’s first oversized timepiece and also was one of the first jumbo, oversized wristwatches in the luxury market. The Santos 100 XL measured a robust 51mm wide and 15.5mm thick and was presented on a handsome alligator strap.
The Santos 100 Automatic Men’s watch, available at WorldofWatches.com, also commands attention on the wrist. This “standard” size model features the signature square shaped case in satiny brushed steel on a distinguished black alligator strap.
The highly polished square-shaped bezel features eight Cartier signature screw accents. The classic dial shines with luminous hands and Roman numeral hour makers. The octagonal crown is topped with a blue sapphire cabochon stone. Timepiece is 41mm wide, 11mm thick and water-resistant to 100 meters.
It’s interesting to note, when I first saw the Santos 100 XL in 2006 at a local Cartier shop, I thought it was a travel clock, since its size was so immense. To quote the Evolution of Time article, “The times they are a changing.”
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