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Hidden away within the “different launches” part of the Cartier press web site, the brand new Santos de Cartier was saved firm by the brand new Indomptables de Cartier and the brand new Ballon Bleu releases. The brand new Santos, nevertheless, was a watch that I wrote off in my head as far too huge and a bit too flashy. The primary case measurement of 47.5mm informed me all the pieces I wanted to know. Or so I believed… Seeing the watch in individual on the Cartier touch-and-feel session at Watches And Wonders 2022 had me scratching my head. Was this the 47.5mm monster I had examine? Certainly, it couldn’t be. It wasn’t half as huge or flashy as I had imagined. And on the wrist, it simply labored like a appeal. Maybe the second case measurement of 39.8mm (the width) ought to have clued me in. Both approach, that is one effectively price speaking about.
Okay, so I’m nonetheless not 100% offered on the big Santos de Cartier. However having beforehand written it off in my thoughts with a lot prejudice made for a reasonably nice shock. My love for classic Cartier nonetheless has me lusting after the outdated Santos with its sq. bezel and smaller measurement — very like the one which our very personal Daan owns that he wrote about right here. However generally it’s all about expectations. And once you someway set your self as much as anticipate a 47mm monster however as a substitute you discover a completely sporty 40mm watch with buckets of Cartier appeal, it’s exhausting to not be pleasantly shocked. I do sincerely really feel that it is a watch that works higher in individual than on paper. And although it received’t be all people’s cup of tea, I nonetheless assume it deserves for us to take a more in-depth look.
The New Santos De Cartier
Cartier has featured quite a lot of sportier fashions in its lineup for fairly a while now. And although to most of us the model is synonymous with small, elegant, basic gown watches, its ambitions actually don’t finish there. Watches just like the Drive, the Calibre, and even the Pasha have supplied sportier alternate options to all of the dressier fashions. The Santos de Cartier has at all times been the bridge between these two pillars. It affords — relying on the dimensions and supplies — an undeniably sporty but additionally fairly dressy choice. Put it on leather-based, and you’ve got an ideal gown watch. Preserve it on the metal bracelet, and it received’t look misplaced with a go well with or with Bermudas and an Oxford shirt with its sleeves rolled up. Its enchantment and flexibility are plain.
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So, what we see with this newest launch is Cartier’s designers taking issues a step additional into the sporty facet of issues. And might you blame them? Even A. Lange & Söhne gave its collector’s a sportier choice with the titanium Odysseus. The Santos, with its metal case and bracelet, 100 meters of water resistance, and sweet-spot measurement of the bigger mannequin was the right look ahead to Cartier to get summer-ready. As you’ll be able to see, the model did so by including a splash of blue PVD to the bezel and an identical rubber strap with the sensible QuickSwitch system. And as odd as it might appear to put on a Cartier whereas crusing, {golfing}, swimming, or something aside from sipping martinis at a lodge bar, the brand new Santos is ideal for any of those.
On the wrist
Having had a quick likelihood to put on the brand new Santos de Cartier, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how properly it curves over the wrist. The comparatively lengthy 47.5mm lug-to-lug will not be as noticeable as you may think. And the best way by which the bracelet (or strap) appears to move from the bezel actually helps to cut back the watch’s perceived measurement. At 39.8mm, the width of the case is a much more correct indicator of how massive the watch feels. And although I’d personally go for the mid-size Santos, I nonetheless really feel that this sportier tackle the mannequin actually does go well with this bigger measurement. The ultimate dimension, the peak of the case, is simply 9.37mm. Which means that the watch is extremely slim, particularly for one powered by an automated motion — Cartier’s 1847 MC.
Out of the 2, the winner for me is the silver-dialed variant. It offers the watch a sure lightness, improves the legibility of the dial, and is extra summer-appropriate. In terms of the matter of strap or bracelet, I used to be very impressed by each. The rubber strap is comfy and integrates superbly with the blue define of the horizontally striped blue bezel. Then again, the metal bracelet gives a glossy and chic look. Because of the QuickSwitch system, you received’t battle to swap from one to the opposite. The one problem can be choosing which one to put on for the day. The blue-dialed mannequin remains to be a good-looking watch, however in relation to a dark-dialed Santos, my selection can be the model with the black ADLC bezel.
Ultimate Ideas
This new Santos was one other nice shock from Cartier’s lengthy checklist of releases this 12 months. Positive, it’s maybe essentially the most divisive of the lot. But when you end up on the fence with this mannequin, head over to a Cartier boutique and see it within the metallic. It actually modified my thoughts and rapidly turned one which I had a tough time taking off. And no, that’s not because of the nice deployant clasp on the riveted rubber strap. These do make it actually fairly exhausting to take away a watch occasionally. With Cartier, nevertheless, even the smallest particulars are refined, and the buckle on the rubber strap operates completely with a top quality really feel.
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On the time of writing, it seems as if this new Santos de Cartier has not made it onto the model’s web site in all nations but. It’s, nevertheless, listed on Cartier’s US web site for a worth of $7,800 earlier than tax. For now, observe this hyperlink for extra info.
What are your ideas on the brand new Santos de Cartier? Is it one step too far on the sporty facet? Or is it an ideal Cartier to rock all summer season lengthy? Let me know your ideas within the feedback beneath.
Comply with me on Instagram @ncgwatches
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