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Introducing The 2018 Cartier Santos Collection

It's Santos time!

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Quick Take

At last year's SIHH we saw the return of the Panthére. Then we had the 100th anniversary of the Tank later in the year. This year Cartier is back with another icon – the Santos. While this watch has always been in the collection, this year they are replacing the existing Santos 100 collection (launched in 2004) with a new one. And while it's always been a little bit of the unconventional cousin of the Tank Louis Cartier, this year Cartier has brought it back in a major way.

First things first, it comes in two sizes: medium and large. Both come in the same metal options: stainless steel, two-tone (steel and yellow gold), pink gold, and yellow gold. However, the large version is also available in a skeletonized version in either pink gold or stainless steel. All are powered by the automatic caliber 1847 MC, though the large version features a date display and the medium does not. All options come with either a matching Santos bracelet and a strap or two different straps. This is because Cartier has developed a new, easy way to change straps in a hurry, so you need a pair to really experience the innovation. Furthermore, they have incorporated SmartLinks that allow the wearer to easily change out links without a screw driver.

Why This Watch Matters

Much like the Tank and the Panthére, the Santos is a classic Cartier collection that was long overdue a revamp. Cartier is clearly focusing on rebooting its existing collections to appeal to their clients. Much like Rolex, there is a reason Cartier's product works and why they change so little over the long run. This is definitely true of the Santos. The classic rounded square design with screw-set bezel is a classic design and looks good on both men and women. And with an automatic movement, it's no surprise this one is back.

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Initial Thoughts

As someone who loves vintage Santos watches, I was really excited to hear about the revamp of the Santos. And for all intents and purposes I like the watches but for me on a personal level, they are just too big for my little wrists. But if given the choice I think the Medium size in two-tone is a classic with the all pink gold version in a close second. Something about those yellow gold screws running down the bracelet and around the bezel brings me back. To where, I'm not sure, but anytime Cartier takes you back you know it's good. 


The Basics

Brand: Cartier
Model: Santos

Dimensions: 35.1mm x 41.9mm (medium), 39.8mm x 47.5mm (large)
Thickness: 8.83mm (medium), 9.08mm (large)
Case Material: Stainless steel, stainless steel and yellow gold, pink gold, yellow gold
Dial Color: Silvered
Indexes: Roman Numerals
Lume: No
Strap/Bracelet: Both with quick-change system and SmartLinks for bracelet adjustment

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The Movement

Caliber: 1847 MC
Functions: Hours, minutes, date (on the large model only)
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)
Jewels: 23
Additional Details: The large version comes in a skeletonized model available in either pink gold or stainless steel


Pricing & Availability

Price: From $6,250 (medium in stainless steel) to $60,000 (skeletonized pink gold)
Availability: April 2018

For more click here.