Equipped with a colum-wheel chronograph and a clever chronograph pusher system comes the new Santos de Cartier Chronograph in an extra-large model measuring 43.3. mm x 51.3 mm and with a case thickness of 12.5 mm. The watch is available in three different references, one in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold duo-tone, an 18K rose gold model and a stainless steel with ADLC bezel. While the stainless steel model and the 18K rose gold are sold with an alligator strap and interchangeable rubber bracelet, the two-tone model sports a metal bracelet and includes an interchangeable rubber bracelet as well. Without a doubt, the new interchangeable system released by Cartier in 2018 is one of the most attractive features in the revamped Santos collection.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Santos de Cartier Chronograph was just released at the SIHH 2019 last month and it features an in-house chronograph movement. The satin-brushed dial with black Roman numerals features as 12-hour chronograph with 12-hour register at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute register at 3 and a running seconds indicator with date aperture at 6 o’clock.
But perhaps the most interesting feature on this new Santos Chronograph is that despite of the watch being a chronograph, it lacks of chrono pushers on the right case band as the majority of chronographs do. For this particular watch, Cartier positioned one rectangular chrono pusher located at the center of the left caseband. This pusher controls the start and stop of the chronograph mechanism, while the crown serves as the reset pusher. Even though from a design standpoint the watch looks more balanced and cleaner, from a user functionality stance, we are not sure if this is the best place for the chronograph pusher to be located considering that if your watch is tucked under your shirt is not easy to quickly start the chronograph.
The Santos de Cartier Chronograph is powered by the new in-house automatic movement calibre 1904-CH MC with column wheel. While not enough information was provided by Cartier regarding the movement, we can only imagine that they did a fine job with it. This 35-jewel automatic movement is protected by a solid case back and provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watches wear very comfortable and true to their size. While our favorite option is when the watch is fitted with the alligator strap, the look with the bracelet is also very nice. Even though we didn’t photograph the rubber bracelets for this particular model, we can tell you that they are very well made featuring an articulated construction like that on the metal bracelet and also featuring double screws on each of their links.
The rubber bracelet is available for all three models and the two-tone reference is the only one that comes with a metal bracelet. The 18K rose gold model and the stainless steel ADLC are sold with alligator straps and rubber bracelets. For the price not bad for a column wheel chronograph with the Cartier signature look and an in-house movement.
Sticker Price $8,950 USD for stainless steel with ADLC bezel, $14,300 USD for two-tone in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold and $24,700 USD for 18K rose gold. For more info on Cartier click here.
