One of the most iconic and popular Cartier watches from the 80s just got even better. Named after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont whom Cartier made a watch for, the Cartier Santos with its rounded angles of the dial, the seamless curve of the horns, and the exposed screws made for an iconic watch that would inspire countless reinterpretations. The new Santos de Cartier is now available in two different sizes, the first one, a medium size measuring 35.1 mm x 41.9 mm and the second one, a large model with a case measuring almost 40 mm wide —39.8 mm x 47.5 mm actual size.

Regardless of its measurements, the large model simply looks and wears much larger —see picture below next to a Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167 which is 40 mm in diameter.  The new Santos de Cartier watches is powered by the in-house automatic movement calibre 1847 MC and now equipped with a new case system —QuickSwitch— that allows to go from bracelet to strap in a matter of seconds. This interchangeable strap system has made the Cartier Santos now even more desirable for those that are looking for a watch that is perfectly suited for all around wear. All watches are water resistant to 100 meters.

About the Watch

All new models in the Cartier Santos collection will now be sold with a bracelet and an additional alligator strap with the usual Cartier folding clasp. The new Santos de Cartier watches are available in stainless steel ref. WSSA0009, stainless steel and 18K yellow gold ref. W2SA0006, 18K yellow gold ref. WGSA0009 and 18K rose gold ref. WGSA0007. Additionally, the bracelet has been also redesigned and equipped with a 'SmartLink' resizing system and with the 'QuickSwitch' interchangeability system.

By pushing a small rectangular button on the end link of the bracelet or strap, one can go from one look to the other in a matter of seconds. While the new Cartier interchangeability system is not as easy to operate as the one on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas line, this is a fantastic addition to the Cartier Santos line for those that enjoy the versatility of different looks within one watch.

While the new Cartier interchangeability system is not as easy to operate as the one on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas line, this is a fantastic addition to the Cartier Santos line for those that enjoy the versatility of different looks within one watch.

Additionally, the bracelet now features a 'SmartLink' resizing adjustment system that while it is not as clever as the one on the IWC Ingenieur line, it's based of the same premise whereas by pressing a small button on the back of the link, one can remove the pins that hold it together and do the resizing of the bracelet in a very easy and quick way.

On the Wrist & Pricing

On the wrist, the new Santos de Cartier large model, wears much better than the previous smaller iterations of this watch. While the size of the watch across the case is only 39.8 mm, the watch actually wears more like a 41 mm watch. With its unparalleled look and elegance, and just like a chameleon changes the color of its skin, the new Santos de Cartier changes its shoes from bracelet to strap in a matter of seconds.

A great new addition to the Cartier lineup and a breath of fresh air and versatility to a very iconic and classic watch. The new large model watches do not replace any of the existing Santos 100 line with its 51.1 mm cases nor the Santos-Dumont line. Pricing below is provided only for the large model watches.

Sticker Price $43,200 USD for 18K rose or yellow gold, $10,400 USD for stainless steel and 18K yellow gold and $6,850 USD for stainless steel. For more info on Cartier click here.