This autumn, two new large Santos de Cartier models are joining the line-up: one crafted in ultra-light titanium, the other in stainless steel with a black dial. Both watches capture Cartier’s ability to balance heritage with modernity.
Few watches embody the spirit of adventure quite like the Santos de Cartier. Ever since its creation in 1904 for aviator and style icon Alberto Santos-Dumont, the model has represented boldness in both engineering and aesthetics. More than a century on, the collection continues to chart new creative horizons – and the latest models confirm that Cartier’s true strength lies not in its strong historic designs alone, but in constant innovation.
Drawing closely upon the silhouette of the original Santos, the new titanium model offers a technical evolution that feels wholly contemporary. Its case is 43 percent lighter than steel and 1.5 times harder, bringing a welcome sense of agility to the wrist. The matte, micro-blasted anthracite finish adds an industrial-chic touch, while the spinel set into the seven-sided crown adds a quiet touch of contrast. The titanium Santos (ref. CRWSSA0089) measures 39.8 mm in width and 9.38 mm in height, while offering water-resistance to 10 bar (100 metres).
Its silver opaline dial showcases the maison’s distinctive blued-steel sword hands and classic railway minute track, protected by sapphire crystal – a reminder that while Cartier moves with the times, its creations remain anchored by enduring design codes. In addition, a date window sits neatly at 6 o’clock.
Powered by the automatic calibre 1847 MC, first introduced by Cartier in 2015 and offering hours, minutes, central seconds and date, the watch beats at 28,800 vph and offers a power reserve of 42 hours.
The piece is accompanied by a titanium bracelet with the SmartLink system for easy length adjustment, alongside a second strap in nubuck-finished alligator leather. Both are equipped with Cartier’s QuickSwitch interchangeability mechanism, allowing the wearer to effortlessly switch between straps. Price: €11,200.
Cartier’s relationship with titanium, though less publicised than its expertise in gold or platinum, runs deeper than one might expect. Since 2011, the maison has used the metal for some of its most exceptional creations, including the Santos-Dumont Skeleton XL and the Rotonde de Cartier Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon (references CRW1556209 and CRWHRO0016). Indeed, titanium’s acoustic properties make it an ideal case material for minute repeaters, while its lightness enhances the comfort of even the most complex timepieces.
In other words, Cartier employs titanium not as a trend, but as a performance-driven choice; harking back to the days in which Santos-Dumont himself first took flight with his ground-breaking Cartier wristwatch.
The second release, also a large model with the same dimensions, takes a sportier direction. Its black dial is divided into two finishes – half sunray-brushed, half satin – giving the surface subtle dynamism under light. White sword-shaped hands coated with green Super-LumiNova ensure legibility in all conditions and add a contemporary, athletic touch, while the traditional rail track minute scale again stays faithful to the original aviation-inspired design.
Meanwhile, a faceted blue synthetic spinel decorates the seven-sided crown, and the satin-finished steel case continues the Santos tradition of visible screws on both bezel and bracelet. As with the titanium model, Cartier includes two interchangeable straps: one in steel with the SmartLink system and one in nubuck alligator leather, each using the QuickSwitch mechanism.
Inside ticks the same automatic calibre 1847 MC offering hours, minutes, central seconds and date. Robust, precise and reliable, it is protected by a case offering 100 metres of water-resistance. Price: €8,850.
