Cartier Santos Collection 2018 - A Style Icon Returns

Cartier introduced a number of new models at SIHH 2018, but without doubt, the highlight for us is the newly revamped Cartier Santos collection. Available in steel, gold (18k yellow or 18k pink) or a combination of the two (steel and 18k yellow gold), there’s a model to suit all tastes and budgets. The collection also debuts two new patent-pending developments from Cartier: QuickSwitch and SmartLink, – two systems designed to making changing straps and bracelets and getting the perfect fit a quick and easy process. Read on to discover more about this stylish new collection, including how you can pre-order your very own.

A history of Santos

The iconic Santos model has been a mainstay in the Cartier line-up for 50 years now - although it did take a brief hiatus in 2016 for a complete re-design. The modern-day version was first introduced in late October in 1978, with the Santos taking its name – and its inspiration – from what many consider to be the “first” wristwatch. Created by Louis Cartier – grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier – at the behest of his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviation pioneer based in Paris, in 1904, this early design featured a flat watch with a distinctive square bezel. Cartier then attached a leather strap, so it could be worn on the wrist, as Santos-Dumont’s chief complaint was that a pocket watch was not practical to use when flying. More than 60 years later, the name would be revived and given to a newly created, affordable sports watch, based on the legendary ‘Santos Dumont’. The steel, luxury sports watch trend was well underway by that stage, but steel was not a metal Cartier was accustomed to working with, exclusively making its watches in precious metals like gold and platinum up until that point. By way of compromise, the Santos was launched in a steel case with gold accents, an unusual move at the time, which helped launch a new trend in and of itself. The Santos was a hit, which is why it’s still going strong 40 years later.

The 2018 Cartier Santos Collection

The new Cartier Santos Collection offers two sizes – large at 39.8 x 47.5mm, and medium at 35.1 x 41.9mm – with cases available in steel, two-tone steel and 18k yellow gold, full 18k yellow gold and full 18k pink gold. Cartier has even made skeleton versions of the large sized Santos in steel and pink gold, the perfect choice for those who enjoy the eye-catching spectacle of an open-worked dial. The large version measures 9.08mm thick, while the medium is 8.83mm, allowing both to easily slide away under your cuff as need be. Cartier Santos Skeleton Dial

View the Cartier Santos de Cartier Skeleton Dial Large Men's Bracelet/Strap Watch here.

Renowned for its ability to create beautifully-shaped cases, Cartier has given the new Santos a more modern look and feel by introducing tapers to the bezel that extend to the lugs, emphasising the flawlessly integrated bracelet or strap. The design of the case, however, is still unmistakably Cartier, right down to the signature eight screws that stud the square bezel. The square white dial with contrasting stylised Roman numerals in black for the hours and an inner railroad chapter ring (or square, rather) for the minutes is at once familiar and effortlessly chic. On the large versions, a date window also appears at 6 o’clock. Cartier Santos Steel and Yellow Gold

View the Cartier Santos de Cartier Large Steel & 18ct Yellow Gold Bracelet/Strap Watch .

Quick-Switch is not the only useful feature the Santos introduces . The metal bracelets also feature another patent development from Cartier called SmartLink. Each individual link of the bracelet features a release button so that it can be quickly and easily detached from its neighbour. This means you can adjust the size of the bracelet for the perfect fit on your wrist without the need for any tools or third-party assistance. Cartier Santos Steel

View the Cartier Santos de Cartier Large Steel Automatic Bracelet/Strap Watch .

Behind the dial, the main collection is powered by the in-house automatic calibre 1847-MC movement. Operating at 4hz, this automatic calibre offers a 42-hour power reserve and is equipped with 23 jewels. In addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds, the large version also includes a date display at 6 o’clock. For the more elaborate skeletonized options, Cartier has chosen to use its in-house calibre 9611-MC. This hand-wound movement is equipped with double barrels and offers a 72-hour power reserve.