Like the incoming congressman, the watch traces its roots to Brazil.
Sleepy Time: George Santos flexes his Cartier Santos watch during the voting for speaker of the the House of Representatives.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images; Cartier
International man of mystery George Santos reported for his first day in Congress wearing what appears to be a Cartier Santos, which retails for $7,800.
At least, that’s what the real ones cost. Knockoffs go for just $150. An expert in luxury watches, who independently identified the timepiece for Forbes, cautioned that it is impossible to be sure of the type of watch—let alone its authenticity—from the available photos. Santos did not respond to emails, and calls to his office went straight to voice mail, which could not accept new messages.
Rep.-elect Santos is facing local, state and federal investigations after reports surfaced that he had lied many times about his biography. Adding to his troubles, authorities in Brazil reopened a fraud case this week against the 34-year-old incoming congressman, alleging that he used a fake name and checkbook to buy $700 worth of clothing.
In an ironic twist, the Cartier Santos, one of the most famous timepieces in horological history, traces its roots to Brazil. Louis Cartier designed the Santos de Cartier in 1904 for his friend Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who had difficulty telling time while flying using a pocket watch without taking his hands off the controls of his plane. The result—with its rounded square case and exposed screws—was the first pilot’s watch and one of the first mass-produced wristwatches.
Appropriately for someone whose image could use a revamp, for his second day in the House chamber, George Santos appeared to have swapped out the stainless steel bracelet on his Santos for a blue rubber strap. Either way, the clock is likely ticking on his career in Congress.
George Santos wore a different strap on what appears to be a Cartier Santos watch during his second day in the House chamber.
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