BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The Cartier Santos received some major updates during last year’s SIHH event. For SIHH 2019 the brand is continuing its focus on the Santos and has made a slew of interesting releases which includes the new Cartier Santos chronograph.
Last year’s refresh saw the Santos getting a bump in case sizes to make them more relevant in the modern watch industry. With the new Cartier Santos chronograph, the brand has pushed the pedal further as this new watch features a large beefy case measuring 43.3mm x 51.3mm x 12mm. Sitting on top of the rounded square case is the screw set bezel which gives the Santos its signature look and there are three different case/ bezel combinations to choose from: stainless steel with a black ADLC steel bezel, stainless steel with an 18k yellow gold bezel, and solid 18k rose gold. The case is water resistant to 100 meters and is completed by an array of options available a black ADLC steel bracelet, a two-tone steel and gold bracelet, various alligator leather straps, and rubber straps.
The dial on this watch is standard Cartier affair and has been designed with a high focus on legibility. Bold Roman numerals once again take center stage which combined along with the outer minute track and a sporty sword-shaped handset make it a breeze to the read the time. There are three sub-dials at 3, 6 and 9 for tracking chronograph minutes, running seconds and chronograph hours respectively. While this is a convention looking chronograph layout, Cartier has paid thoughtful attention in its execution. The brand has modified its 1904-CH MC caliber to position the chronograph start/stop pusher on the left side of the case while the reset function has been integrated into the crown itself. This has certainly helped the brand to not only keep things intriguing from a functional standpoint but has also helped them keep the symmetry of the case intact.
A good sports watch collection certainly deserves a chronograph and Cartier has done just that with the new Cartier Santos chronograph. The retail prices would range between $8,950 and $24,700 depending upon the variant one opts for. Visit Cartier here.
