Introduction: The integrated bracelet trend may be fading, but the Cartier Santos de Cartier stands out as a timeless classic amidst the deluge of new watches. Let’s delve into the latest iteration, featuring a striking green dial that deserves attention.
Design and Construction: The Cartier Santos maintains its iconic curved square profile, offering two sizes described as medium and large. The case’s brushed sides and polished bevels provide a comfortable fit, though the polished bezel, while aesthetically appealing, is prone to scratches. The evergreen sunburst dial, transitioning to near-black at the edges, adds a touch of warmth and luxury. The watch boasts 100 meters of water resistance, accentuated by a blue spinel gem on the screw-down crown.
Movement and Functionality: Powering the Santos is the in-house Cartier Calibre 1847 MC, an automatic bidirectional self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve. While the movement is reliable, the lack of visible finishing through the solid caseback might disappoint enthusiasts. The watch features applied polished Roman numeral indices and sword hands, contributing to its classic aesthetic.
Bracelet and Comfort: The Santos de Cartier excels in comfort with its metal bracelet, featuring the SmartLink system for easy sizing. The QuickSwitch system facilitates hassle-free strap changes, although the butterfly clasp lacks on-the-fly adjustment. Despite this drawback, the bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, offering a robust, functional, and elegant design.
Conclusion: In a market saturated with hype, the Cartier Santos de Cartier remains a versatile and timeless choice. The latest green dial iteration adds a touch of elegance, making it a standout option. With prices starting at $7,050 USD for the medium size and a slight increase for the large model, the Santos de Cartier is a compelling choice without the need for a premium or lengthy waitlist.
Final Thoughts: As Cartier continues its experimentation with the Santos line, the green dial version stands out as a bold and sophisticated addition. With a reputation for quality and style, the Santos de Cartier family promises to deliver more exciting iterations in the future, catering to diverse preferences.