New Santos de Cartier: A tribute to timeless design by Cartier

"...When one speaks of Cartier, the French maison renowned for its fine jewellery and timepieces, what comes to mind is not merely beauty, but a legacy of design excellence that has spanned over a century. This year, Cartier unveils a refined new addition to its iconic Santos de Cartier collection, a small-sized model that honours the spirit of its origin while embracing contemporary elegance in every detail..."

First created in 1904, the Santos de Cartier was the world’s very first wristwatch, designed by Louis Cartier for pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Crafted to help him tell time mid-flight, it was a revolutionary idea that quickly became one of the most iconic timepieces of all time. Its clean lines, squared bezel, and signature exposed screws defied watchmaking conventions and established a design language that remains instantly recognisable to this day.

This latest iteration stays true to the spirit of the original. The new small model, measuring 27 mm x 34.5 mm, brings back the classic proportions reminiscent of the earliest versions, while introducing a sense of modern refinement and wearability. Its case houses a high-precision quartz movement, and the radiant sunray dial reflects Cartier’s mastery of understated sophistication.

Elegance meets versatility in the model’s three material variations: full stainless steel, yellow gold 750/1000 combined with steel, and solid yellow gold 750/1000. Each model offers the flexibility to switch between leather and metal straps. The steel version is paired with a smooth calfskin strap, while the full gold version features a premium alligator leather strap. Both are fitted with an ardillon buckle that seamlessly complements the refined aesthetic of the case.

While the size may be reduced, the signature Cartier design codes remain ever-present, crisp silhouettes, meticulous detailing, and the industrial beauty of exposed screws all converge to create a timepiece that balances art, craftsmanship, and mechanical integrity. For those who prefer mechanical watches, the larger Santos de Cartier remains available, powered by the self-winding 1847 MC movement with water resistance up to 10 bar (approximately 100 metres). The newly launched small models are water-resistant to 3 bar, making them ideal for daily wear.

With the launch of this elegant new size, Cartier doesn’t just introduce a new watch, it revives a story of courage, history, and enduring sophistication, presented in a form that is timeless yet entirely of the now.

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