We'll introduce five models from Cartier's current collection that we recommend for men. Cartier is often associated with jewelry watches and glamorous models for women. However, the company is also known for producing the world's first practical wristwatch, the Santos, and many other masterpieces for men that have left their mark on watchmaking history. This time, we'll focus on Cartier men's watches that combine elegance and practicality.
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 2, 2025]
Cartier watches have made history and are loved by men.
Cartier is a world-renowned jeweler. At the same time, the company is also a watch brand with a high level of skill that is comparable to specialty brands. While Cartier is known for its dazzling jewelry watches and women's watches, it has also produced many masterpieces in the men's watch industry.
The company's collection includes many watches that have been loved by men who have made their mark in history, such as the Santos, which was designed by Louis Cartier, the third head of the company, for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904 and eventually became the world's first mass-produced wristwatch, and the Tank, which was designed with a tank motif and presented to U.S. General John Pershing.
This time, we will introduce five models from Cartier's current collection that we would like men to wear. Why not brighten up your daily life with these masterpieces that combine elegance and practicality?
"Santos de Cartier" Ref.WSSA0071
A multi-purpose watch with a sporty feel. The deep blue dial gives it an elegant impression. Automatic (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. Stainless steel case (47.5mm x 39.8mm, 9.38mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,306,800 yen (tax included).
The Santos was born in 1904 when aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont consulted Louis Cartier about a way to check the time while piloting an aircraft without having to take out his pocket watch. Considering that the earliest wristwatches were pocket watches with lugs welded to them, the Santos, with its square case and lugs integrated into the case, was an epoch-making model designed from the beginning to be worn on the wrist. The Santos went on sale in 1911, and various derivative models have been created since then.
The Santos de Cartier, released in 2018, is a versatile model that follows the original design while incorporating a sporty touch throughout. The elegant dial features Roman numeral indexes and baton-shaped hour and minute hands, and is combined with a sharp case with a crown guard. Combined with water resistance of 10 bar, it is easy to wear both on and off the job.
The stainless steel bracelet features the Smart Link system, which allows for easy link addition and removal, and the Quick Switch system, which allows for the case and bracelet to be separated with the push of a button. The blue alligator leather strap included can be easily interchanged without the need for tools.
Santos-Dumont Ref. WSSA0032
The Santos-Dumont features an appealing, dressy design. Equipped with a manual-winding movement, you can enjoy winding the mainspring using the crown. Manual-winding (Cal. 430 MC). 18 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve: approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel case (46.6mm x 33.9mm, 7.5mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 1,095,600 yen (tax included).
The Santos-Dumont is a model that closely resembles the design of the original Santos, beloved by Alberto Santos-Dumont. With its slim Roman numeral indexes and clean case design, it has an even more dressy impression than the Santos de Cartier.
The silver dial is non-date. Its simplicity is accented by tempered blue baton-shaped hour and minute hands. The Art Deco design, including the railway minute track, is also appealing. The stainless steel case features a hairline finish on the middle case and a polished bezel, creating a striking effect. The pearl-adorned crown is set with a synthetic blue cabochon spinel.
This model is equipped with a hand-wound Cal. 430 MC movement, which not only allows for a slim case, but also allows you to enjoy the pleasure of winding the mainspring every day.
The belt is a classic design, combining an alligator leather strap with an Ardiron buckle.
"Tank Mast" Ref.WSTA0054
The Tank Must features a simple design. Its burgundy lacquer dial is appealing. It has a quartz movement and a stainless steel case (33.7mm x 25.5mm, 6.6mm thick). It's water resistant for everyday use. It's priced at 572,000 yen (tax included).
Among the Tank collection, the Tank Louis Cartier has a design closer to the original model. The Tank Must was born from inspiration from the Tank Louis Cartier. The two share a common thread, with a balanced vertical and horizontal design and a minimalist, streamlined design.
There are several variations of the Tank Must, but the one featured here is a model with a burgundy lacquer dial. There are no indices on the dial, only hour and minute hands and a logo. There is also no second hand, making it difficult to tell the exact time. However, in this age where clocks are everywhere, such as smartphones and computers, this model, which allows you to feel the leisurely passage of time, has a unique charm.
The case is made of stainless steel and houses a quartz movement. The crown is adorned with a synthetic spinel.
The strap is made of alligator leather in the same color as the dial and is fitted with Cartier's iconic Ardilon buckle.
Tank Mast Solar Beat™ Ref.WSTA0122
This model is equipped with a highly efficient photovoltaic SolarBeat™ movement. It harnesses light through tiny holes in the dial to generate power. It has a photovoltaic quartz movement. It has a stainless steel case (33.7mm long x 25.5mm wide, 6.6mm thick). It's water resistant for everyday use. It's priced at 610,500 yen (tax included).
The Tank Mast Solar Beat™, a variation of the Tank Mast, is a model equipped with a photovoltaic Solar Beat™ movement. Eliminating the need for periodic battery changes not only reduces running costs but is also environmentally friendly.
Generally, solar watches use a plastic dial that allows light to pass through, but this watch uses tiny holes all over the dial to let in light, which has succeeded in creating a dial with the same luxurious feel as conventional watches.
The Tank-like case, with its linear design, is paired with a sporty stainless steel bracelet, making it convenient for everyday use. There is also a model with a leather strap, which may be a good choice for those who prefer a more dressy design. Of course, you can also purchase the straps separately and change them out.
The pearl-adorned crown is set with a synthetic spinel, which harmonizes with the blue hour and minute hands.
"Ballon Bleu de Cartier" Ref.WSBB0060
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier has an elegant, balloon-like form. It's perfect for those looking for something a little different from Cartier. Automatic (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter, 12.4mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 1,148,400 yen (tax included).
"Ballon" means balloon in French. The "Ballon Bleu de Cartier" is a model that, as its name suggests, is shaped like a balloon. While it exudes Cartier style, it has a different appeal from the Santos and Tank.
The dark grey dial features a sunray brushed finish with a radial pattern of light, and is decorated with Roman numeral indexes, baton-shaped hour and minute hands, and a date display. The 3 o'clock side has a design that looks as if it is being pushed out by the crown, giving it a dynamic feel.
The case also features a bulge at the 3 o'clock position. The overall rounded shape is reminiscent of a balloon. The stainless steel bracelet is designed with an H-shaped link. It is equipped with an interchangeable system that allows it to be removed from the case with one touch.
The watch is equipped with the mechanical automatic movement, Cal. 1847 MC, which boasts excellent magnetic resistance thanks to its silicon escapement and is highly reliable, making it the base movement of choice for other companies within the Richemont Group.
