In the fall of 2025, Cartier released two Santos de Cartier models. One is a stainless steel model with a black dial. The other is a model with a titanium case. Titanium is a material often used for tool watches, but Cartier has brilliantly transformed it into its own unique style of elegance. Zen Love, editor of the US edition of WatchTime, will be reviewing this model, touching it for himself, to see just how well Cartier has "finished" it.
The highly anticipated titanium Santos de Cartier
Titanium may be the ultimate expression of the Cartier Santos de Cartier. Cartier released two new Santos models in 2025, but it was an unexpected titanium model that stole the show.
Cartier and bead-blasted matte titanium might not seem like an intuitive combination, but the new Santos is a remarkable model that strikes the perfect balance between the coolness of this lightweight metal and the French brand's signature elegance.
Titanium and Cartier: Their Surprising Affinity
Titanium as a watch material is often associated with lightweight, technical impressions and tough tool watches. Therefore, until now, titanium has not been used in a recognizable way as a means of expressing the elegance and sophisticated style that Cartier is known for. However, the new titanium Santos overturns this conventional wisdom and brilliantly demonstrates how this technical material, titanium, can also express the elegance that is characteristic of Cartier.
In addition to the titanium bracelet, a replacement nubuck alligator strap is also included. Automatic (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. Ti case (47.5mm x 39.8mm, 9.38mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,742,400 yen (tax included).
The new models are the Santos de Cartier Ref. CRWSSA0089, which features a full titanium case and bracelet, and the Ref. CRWSSA0096, which features a black dial and a polished stainless steel case.
In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, a second nubuck alligator strap is also included. 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: 1,372,800 yen (tax included).
The latter appears to have a slightly larger amount of luminous paint than other Santos models. Both are attractive, but the titanium model, with its light, frosty texture, clearly stands out. When I tried on both models before the release, the difference was clear, with the titanium being overwhelmingly more impressive.
Lightweight and matte finish for a comfortable fit
The new Ref. CRWSSA0089 is a "large" Santos, but the combination of lightweight titanium and a matte finish makes it feel much smaller and more comfortable than its polished stainless steel counterpart. It sat naturally on my wrist, which is about 17cm.
Titanium itself is not a completely unknown material to Cartier. It has been used in jewelry, in combination with other metals, and occasionally in full titanium cases. So it's not a "first," but I feel that the way it's used and finished in this case is a fitting expression of a titanium Cartier.
Santos' sporty side
The Santos seems to be Cartier's platform for experimenting with sportiness. It has a history of experimenting with somewhat aggressive designs, such as all-black ADLC coatings and hairline finishes. Therefore, the adoption of titanium, a strong yet lightweight material, is a natural progression. In the past, titanium was used for the bezel of the Santos 100, and it was also used for the case of avant-garde models with skeleton dials.
A perfect balance of classic and tool styles
Normally, the fusion of classic Cartier and tool watch-like titanium might seem out of place, but Cartier has managed to create a beautiful harmony by using a bead-blasted matte finish as the base and adding polished chamfers and screws as accents. This maintains the coolness of titanium while also showcasing the high quality that is characteristic of Cartier.
The materials and finishes are surprisingly well-matched to the Santos, and the matte white dial provides an ideal balance. While the stainless steel model released at the same time features luminous hands, indices, and even a railway track, this titanium model does not. Still, the contrast is sufficient, making it perfectly legible.
Size, Movement, and Future Expectations
When I saw the actual watch in New York in September, I was thrilled by its level of perfection. This model is a "large" size, with a case width of 39.8mm, 47.5mm in the vertical position, and 9.38mm thick. The movement is Cartier's in-house automatic movement, Cal. 1847 MC.
Compared to the weight of the stainless steel model, the moment I put on the titanium model, it felt so light and small that it tricked my brain. The lightness of titanium directly translates into comfort. Even if you think the size is too big, it's well worth trying it on. However, if these specifications were to be developed in a "medium" size, it would match the recent trend toward smaller diameters and seem likely to become even more popular as a sporty and chic bracelet watch.
