Without a doubt, one of the standouts and legends of the Maison Cartier’s watchmaking lineup is the Santos de Cartier. The immediately recognisable timepiece has maintained its status as an icon and object of desire since its arrival in 1904 (long before the actual model existed). The watch is truly a symbol of sporty luxury as well as one of modern comfort and warm familiarity. Going perhaps even beyond the story of the Brazilian inventor and aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, one cannot mention Cartier’s magnificent timepieces without including the Santos de Cartier, its design and spirit.

Today, the Santos de Cartier’s distinctive square shape seems timeless. The industrial touch of its eight screws on the bezel and its overall look may have initially been inspired by the symmetry of Parisian geometry stemming from the early 20th century and the angles and bolts presented by the Eiffel Tower, but is truly still contemporary thanks to its success in bringing a unique appeal that is not found in round timepieces. And now, the Santos is given the ADLC treatment, a form of diamond-like carbon coating that enhances the durability of the case, making it more resistant to scratches.

In 2020, Cartier launched the Santos de Cartier in two references, with one model in a fully steel ADLC case and the other with a steel case combined with an ADLC bezel. The former has a black dial whereas the latter, a grey dial. They come matched with a black rubber strap and black alligator strap or full steel bracelet and black rubber strap. These are easily interchangeable on each respective model and the steel bracelet version even has a ‘Smartlink’ adjustment system. Both are only available in the LM (Large Model) size. Powering the watch is a Cartier in-house automatic calibre – the 1847MC which features high anti-magnetism properties. Finally, the watch is water-resistant up to a sporty 100 metres.

MOVEMENT: Automatic Cartier 1847MC with date; 40-hour power reserve

CASE: 47.5mm x 39.8mm steel and ADLC or steel and ADLC bezel; water resistant to 100m

STRAP: Black rubber strap and black alligator leather strap or steel bracelet and black rubber strap

PRICE: $11,100