Cartier ‘s pioneering spirit is now well known, and the Santos de Cartier has become one of the most iconic watches in history. We have talked about it many times in our magazine, and today this watch represents a symbol of elegance and innovation. The Santos fascinated those who became watch enthusiasts, those who understood the birth of the men’s wristwatch, and those who studied its design. This watch has continued to thrill for over a hundred years, a true masterpiece to be admired. For those who do not yet know its history, allow me to make a brief introductory hat.
The birth of the first wristwatch
In 1904, watchmaking was very different from what we know today. There were no straps or square cases. Pocket watches dominated, maintaining a shape that had been virtually unchanged for centuries. At the turn of the century, however, airplane pilot Albert Santos Dumont asked Louis Cartier to design a watch for him that would be accurate and comfortable to read while flying. From this request came the Santos, considered the first men’s wristwatch in history, because from then on men began wearing watches on their wrists, which were much more practical than pocket watches.
Since then, Cartier has continued to innovate, making watches that have marked the history of fashion and watchmaking, always with a common denominator: elegance and savoir-faire.
The new Santos de Cartier in titanium
Today, in 2025, more than a hundred years after that historic moment, Cartier presents for the first time a Santos made entirely of titanium. Titanium replaces steel,
The message of this new model is clear: combine practicality and elegance, two features that might seem like an oxymoron, but which, in fact, complement each other perfectly. Thanks to a microbead blasting treatment, the titanium case appears more matte than previous models, giving it a modern and attractive look without sacrificing the charm of the iconic design.
The case measures 39.8 mm in diameter and is powered by the in-house caliber 1847 MC, the same caliber found in the current Santos model.
An extra touch of luminescence
In addition to the titanium version, Cartier also presents another model of the Santos with a black dial, but made of steel. Here, too, we find a novelty:
Price and conclusions
The titanium model will be available Nov. 1 and will start at a list price of €11,400, while the steel model with black dial, available now, starts at €9,000.
With the introduction of titanium into the collection, Cartier seems to be interpreting contemporary trends with a material choice that, while departing from the Maison’s more traditional canons, actually enhances its ability to consistently renew iconic models. These new references represent an interesting vantage point on the brand’s creative journey, highlighting a desire for technical and material exploration that integrates harmoniously with the Maison’s established aesthetic language.
In the light of this evolution, a reflection emerges on the role that materials are taking on in the process of reinterpreting Cartier design: a sign of how research into innovation can now complement, without overlapping with, the stylistic continuity that has always distinguished the identity of the Parisian house.
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