Cartier has dropped their latest Santos de Cartier collection at Watches & Wonders 2024, with a standout dual-time model!
When Cartier designed the first pilot’s watch for famed aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, it was for a purpose – to aid the explorer in his flight in the Demoiselle, which can be found on the rotor of the Dumont Skeleton pieces from last year’s release. 115 years later, and the Santos is one of the most famed Cartier pieces today, and this year, Cartier adds to this collection with the Santos de Cartier Dual Time – another nod to their aviation history and Alberto Santos-Dumont’s pioneering spirit!
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The new collection not only features three new pieces – a two-tone steel and gold, plus two steel models with a graduated brown sunray-brushed dial in both small and medium sizes, but the hero piece, a stainless steel dual-time piece with a beautiful satin-finish anthracite grey sunray-brushed dial in a large size measuring 40.2mm x 47.5 mm, and with a thickness of 10.1 mm. Not bad considering the date and dual time function!
Being the original pilots watch, the dual time (like a GMT) is a crucial function for pilots to track a secondary time zone, traditionally one at their origin and one at their destination. Cartier represents this with a sub-dial at 6 o’clock, allowing the wearer to track the second time zone with the single-hand 12-hour scale, which can be independently set.
The grey anthracite dial adds a striking contrast to the piece, with the monochromatic tones of silver and grey, dark and light giving the Dual-Time an air of sophistication. It’s one of those pieces that can be dressed up or down, and one of the main aspects I love about the Santos de Cartier collection is its sheer versatility. To aid this, Cartier has added their QuickSwitch system, the invisible mechanism that blends into the case’s architecture allowing the wearer to swap out the bracelet or strap seamlessly.
In addition to the Dual Time, Cartier has released three new Santos de Cartier versions. The first is a Yellow gold and steel case in the large size. Cartier has paired this piece with a grey alligator leather strap to match the anthracite grey dial. This can be interchanged with the steel bracelet via the QuickSwitch system. The yellow gold fixed bezel gives the watch a more dressier look for those who like a more formal aesthetic.
For those who want a more subdued look, there are two pieces featuring a satin-finish graduated brown sunray-brushed dial in the choice of a large or medium size. Keeping with the classic Cartier Santos style, these pieces could be a great “his and hers” pairing or just for those who want the option of finding the perfect fit.
Both the two-tone and brown dial large-sized Santos measure 39.8 x 47.5 mm and comes in at 9.4 mm thick. The smaller medium-sized brown dial measures 35.1mm x 41.9 mm and showcases a thickness: 8.8 mm. Each of the pieces has a faceted steel crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel, another classic feature of the Santos de Cartier range.
On the dial of each, you’ll find the rhodium-finished and polished, sword-shaped steel hands, with the hour and minute hands filled with SuperLuminova for nighttime legibility (again, another important elemt for those long-haul flights), with both pointed to the classic Cartier styles Roman numerals on the dial and if you look closely, you’ll find “Cartier” written into the V of the 7 o’clock numerals on the dual time!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the Santos de Cartier collection, you can’t deny its classic looks, versatility and as a result, popularity. There is something about them that is just plain stylish and Cartier has the ability to make a watch that can look good on any wrist, in any situation. These new models are no different and the addition of a Dual Time model is welcome one.
The yellow gold variant will give people something different to consider and the brown sunray finished dial models in a mid-size and large-size give off vintage vibes with classic Cartier looks. These all are designed to make a statement, but at the same time, not be overstated or scream “Look at me!”
Specifications
- Case Size: 40.2 x 47.5 mm (Dual Time), 39.8 x 47.5 mm (Large), 35.1 x 41.9 mm (Medium)
- Case Thickness: 10.1mm (Duel Time), 9.4mm (Large) , 8.8mm (Medium)
- Case Material: Brushed and polished stainless steel or two-tone steel and 18-carat yellow gold
- Movement: Automatic Winding Cartier Dual Time Movement / 1847 MC (non-dual-time models)
- Power Reserve: Approx. 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel interchangeable bracelet with the QuickSwitch system or colour matched alligator leather strap with“QuickSwitch” interchangeable system and folding buckle.
