Timeless Classic
The beloved Santos de Cartier returns with innovative features while remaining true to its classic aesthetic
Atimepiece borne from the minds of two visionaries, the Santos de Cartier remains as relevant today as it did a century ago. When Alberto SantosDumont complained of the difficulties of reading a pocket watch while in the air, it set the gears turning in Louis Cartier’s head. The experimentation between an aviation pioneer and the jeweller of kings resulted in the world’s first modern wristwatch—forever revolutionising modern watchmaking.
The latest iteration of the Santos de Cartier is every bit the timepiece that many have come to love, while reflecting the innovative, everchanging spirit of its own age. Determination, freedom, and comfort have been at the heart of the Santos DNA since the very beginning. Its distinctive aesthetic is a welcome break from traditional rounded watch shapes.
The design studios focused on comfort, intelligent proportions, and respect for the Santos aesthetic. The design of the bezel has been updated to favour the synergy between the lines of the case and the strap. Sleeker lines further accentuate the stylistic dynamic of the watch. The eight screws on the bezel remain unchanged as a tribute to the golden age of urban architecture.
The strap of the first Santos was leather, a first for its time. Today, not only are a variety of straps available—steel, gold, calfskin or alligator skin—they are all interchangeable thanks to the Cartier Quickswitch system. Transform the watch to be perfect for any occasion at the push of the mechanism, which is hidden so as to not interfere with the aesthetic of the watch.
In the lifelong quest for innovation, the 1847 MC automatic calibre is pushed to even higher levels of performance. Anti-magnetic components and a shield of paramagnetic alloy render the movement effectively resistant to powerful magnetic fields. In addition, the screw-down assembly design offers the Santos water resistance up to 100m.
Each timepiece is assembled, calibrated, and tested by the Cartier Manufacture workshops to ensure resistance to variations in elements that may interfere with the accuracy of the watch. Rigorous testing in the final stage of quality control ensures that each Santos de Cartier is guaranteed optimum levels of performance and reliability over the years.
Effortlessly elegant while rugged and classic yet modern, the Santos de Cartier is truly a masterpiece befitting the wrist of any connoisseur.