Not just the first purpose-built wristwatch, but also the first pilots watch, its safe to say at this point that the Santos is now an icon. For SIHH 2019, Cartier has just released the latest line of updated Santos chronograph models expected to hit stores this summer.

In case you didn’t know, Cartier released the newer streamlined Santos last year, giving their oldest design its biggest overhaul ever. It also introduced two new patented strap systems which you’ll also find in the latest releases. The QuickSwitch, an invisible mechanism which blends into the architecture of the case enables the wearer to change the strap quickly and easily, and the patented tool-free SmartLink, a system that let you adjust the length of the metal bracelet to the nearest link, without the use of a tool. Very handy.

First up, the new Santos Chronograph will be available in three case combinations; stainless steel with yellow gold bezel, stainless steel with black ADLC bezel, and rose gold. It’s also worth mentioning the size, which is being described as ‘Extra-Large’ with dimensions of 51 mm (height) x 43.3 mm (width) x 12.5 mm (thickness). Perhaps the coolest thing about the new Chrono is that, thanks to the new in-house movement, it has a single start/stop pusher, visible at 9 o’clock, with the reset function being directly integrated into the crown. Neat.

The movement in question is the in-house 1904-CH MC, a column wheel chronograph fitted with a vertical clutch, and linear reset hammer, with 27 jewels, 28,800 vph and a solid power reserve of 3 days.

The showpiece of the new collection however is the Squelette Noctambule; a fully-skeletonised Santos with Superluminova coated bridges in the shape of Roman numerals which, in low light, resemble a glowing neon spider-web.

The inspiration for the Noctambule, meaning “night owl” in French, pays homage to the flight made by the Santos namesake Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1903, in which he flew a plane at night guided only by spotlight.

The stainless-steel case is covered in a diamond like carbon (ADLC), giving it a black sheen, and is slightly smaller than before measuring 39.8mm x 9.08mm. Powering the stealthy watch is the manual-wind Cartier calibre 9612 MC, with 20 jewels, 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 3 days.

Just like the previous models, the Noctambule features the “QuickSwitch” strap removal mechanism, but rather than a metal bracelet, is worn with two crocodile straps, in black and grey to complete the surreptitious vibe.

The Santos de Cartier Skeleton ADLC “Noctambule” is priced at S$36,900 (£21,176) and will be available half-way through 2019.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Santos de Cartier Chronograph Dial/Case: 43.3mm (width) x 51.3mm (height) x 12.5mm (thickness), stainless steel with yellow gold bezel, stainless steel with black ADLC bezel, and rose gold Movement: Caliber 1904-CH MC, automatic Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date chronograph

Water Resistance: 100 metres

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Power Reserve: 48 hours Price & Availability: Starting from SGD12,400 (£7,115) for the Steel/ADLC // SGD19,800 (£ 11,365 ) for the Yellow Gold/Stainless-Steel // SGD34,300 (£ 19,688 ) for the Pink Gold // Available in April.



Model Name: Santos de Cartier Skeleton Noctambule Dial/Case: 39.8mm (width) x 9.08mm (thickness), stainless steel, stainless steel with black ADLC bezel Movement: Caliber 9612 MC, manual-wind Functions: Time, date

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Power Reserve: 72 hours Price & Availability: S$36,900 (or £ 11,365)



Discover more at Cartier’s website.