The Santos watch is the origin of Cartier watches and a pioneer of practical wristwatches. Since then, the Santos de Cartier has evolved and developed, becoming one of the Maison's most iconic pieces. Now, the first full titanium model has been released. The ultra-lightweight yet strong material is perfectly harmonized with the square form accented by screws. It also evokes the history of the watch, born for aerial adventures.
The large-size model features a titanium exterior for the first time in the collection. The titanium used is 43% lighter and approximately 1.5 times harder than steel, making it a reliable choice for those who want to wear the Santos every day. In addition to the titanium bracelet, a second nubuck alligator strap is included, and the "QuickSwitch" interchangeable system makes strap changes easy. Automatic movement (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 40 hours. Ti case (47.5mm x 39.8mm x 9.38mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Estimated price: ¥1,663,200 (tax included). Scheduled for release in November 2025.
Edited & Text by Iwao Yoshida
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The Maison's iconic Santos de Cartier now comes in a full titanium model
He wanted a watch that would allow him to easily check the time while piloting a plane... In response to a request from his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, Louis Cartier teamed up with Edmond Jaeger to create the Santos watch in 1904. Cartier's first full-scale wristwatch, and the ancestor of all practical wristwatches, this model is known for being ahead of its time in terms of its form. While a round case would have been natural given the history of pocket watches, Cartier chose a square form with a linear focus. At the beginning of the 20th century, when linear, decorative Art Deco-style designs were popular, it would have seemed extremely modern and avant-garde to people.
Incidentally, the early Cartier watches designed by Louis, even after the Santos, were all non-round cases, including the tank-inspired "Tank," the barrel-shaped "Tonneau," and the turtle shell-inspired "Tortue." Looking at Louis' later designs, such as the "Panthère," "Crash," "Pasha," and "Ballon Bleu," we can see that he primarily released innovative forms that deviated from existing watches. This direction as a "watch maison that creates form" was probably established with the first Santos.
Now, a new model using titanium for the exterior has been released from the Santos de Cartier, a modern reinterpretation of Cartier's "original form watch." Since the introduction of a model with a metal bracelet in 78, the collection has only been available in stainless steel, a combination of stainless steel and precious metals, and solid precious metals, and this is the first time that lightweight yet strong titanium has been used for the entire exterior. However, as if it had existed for a long time, the matte, deep color of titanium matches the complete design. Many people will find it particularly well-matched with the bezel and the screw-set bracelet.
The screwed bezel of the Santos was originally a device to facilitate the replacement of the crystal, which was prone to breakage at the time, but Louis cleverly transformed it into a design element. This was a timepiece that anticipated the coming trend of Bauhaus-style modernism, which sought to combine function and design. Many later luxury sports watches have adopted similar screwed bezel designs, but the origins of this design are undoubtedly traced back to the Santos.
The new model's unique titanium hardness emphasizes the functional beauty of the screw fastenings, giving it a somewhat aircraft exterior look. The use of modern materials is interesting in that it evokes the history of the series, which was born for aerial adventures. This is the perfect watch for anyone who is romantic about the story of the Santos' birth.
The long-awaited black dial has been added to the all-stainless steel large model. The hands, indexes, and railway minute track are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in the dark. The dial features a satin and sunray finish in equal parts, creating a rich depth. This model also comes with a second nubuck alligator strap. Automatic movement (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Stainless steel case (47.5mm x 39.8mm, 9.38mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Estimated price: 1,372,800 yen (tax included).
At the same time as the release of this titanium model, a black dial was added to the stainless steel bracelet model. The white hands, indexes, and railway minute track are decorated with fluorescent green Super-LumiNova, giving it an even sportier feel. Surprisingly, in the current lineup, there has never been an all-steel model with a black dial. It has a much more compact impression, and is likely to attract support from those who are attracted to the modernity and coolness inherent in the Santos.
Both models are the perfect way to experience the timeless form of the Maison's iconic watch. We encourage you to come and check them out in store.
