CARTIER. “Santos” Travel Alarm Clock

CARTIER. Cartier’s Les Must Collection.
“Santos” travel alarm clock, ca. 1970–1980.
Gold-plated metal with dark blue-black lacquer or enamel details.
Quartz movement. Alarm function.
Dial signed “Must de Cartier,” with rail-track minute track, blued sword-shaped hands with luminescent inserts, and alarm hand. Fluted crown at 3 o’clock topped with a blue cabochon.
Measurements: 55 mm case diameter; 60 x 61 mm with crown.

Cartier travel alarm watch from the Les Must de Cartier line, recognizable by its folding design, its refined combination of gold and dark enamel, and the presence of the Maison’s most recognizable codes: Roman numerals, a light-colored dial, railway-style minute track, blued hands, and a crown with a cabochon. The model is linked to Cartier’s travel creations from the late 20th century, conceived as functional objects but also as desk pieces with a distinctly decorative character.

The most interesting feature of the design lies in its hinged front bezel, which serves both as a visual element and as a stand. When unfolded, it allows the watch to stand upright on the table, functioning as a table alarm clock; when folded for transport, this element tucks away over the case and conceals the outer scale with Roman numerals, leaving only the central dial visible. This ingenious system reinforces its status as a travel clock and links it to the tradition of Cartier clocks with hinged stands, a type highly prized among the brand’s collectors. Since the early 20th century, Cartier has developed table and travel clocks featuring highly sophisticated technical and decorative solutions, including models with folding stands, or strut clocks.

In the description of the clocks, when it states “it works,” it means that the clock is functioning at the time of cataloging. Since collector’s watches typically have delicate and complex mechanisms, the buyer is responsible for any general servicing, inspection, battery replacement, adjustment, or repair that may be necessary. We do not guarantee the perfect functioning of any watch. Nor do we guarantee their water resistance, regardless of the manufacturer’s specifications or the model. All photographs of our watches are original and have been taken by our photographers; that is, we do not use stock photography, and therefore the photographs are considered part of the catalog listing.