In watches, as with other pieces of jewellery, there’s a commonly held misconception that bigger is better. The new Santos de Cartier Small Model is here to definitively prove otherwise.
The Santos de Cartier is currently one of the world’s most coveted timepieces and can be found on award season red carpets and social media feeds alike. To understand the appeal of the Santos de Cartier, however, one must first understand its history. Though the Santos de Cartier cuts a luxurious image in yellow gold, steel, and two-tone variants, it was designed in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont to wear while piloting his experimental aircraft. Created by Louis Cartier, the original Santos set out a foundation of aesthetic principles that would inform subsequent Cartier creations like the Tank, Pasha, and Panthère. It would also go down in history as the first modern wristwatch and would help to popularize wristwatches among both men and women.
In the many decades since the Santos de Cartier’s inception, it has evolved into a diverse range of models and sizes while remaining remarkably true to the spirit of the original (though it must be said, the proportions of the new Santos de Cartier Small Model are closest to its 1904 forebear.) Its square case design retains its screwed-down bezel and gem-set crown, its dial indices are still Roman Numerals, and its railroad-style minute track creates a sort of frame within a frame that makes the Santos unmistakably a Cartier creation. Despite these original details, the Santos de Cartier—like everything in the Cartier lineup—is constantly evolving. In addition to its smaller case size, the new Santos de Cartier Small Model now includes a quick-change bracelet system that allows owners to easily alternate between the metal bracelet and available leather straps, all the better to complement an outfit or occasion.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Santos de Cartier, however, is its timelessness. The Santos de Cartier was the height of fashion in 1900s Paris, remained in vogue through the fashion revolutions of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, and continues to earn its place on discerning wrists in the 2020s. That’s an impressive feat for an accessory of any kind, and proof that you don’t need a big watch to make a big impact.
Learn more about the Santos de Cartier collection here.
