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The smoky, sultry green Santos de Cartier novelties

The smoky, sultry green Santos de Cartier novelties

Fergus Nash
  • The Santos de Cartier is now available in Smoky Green
  • The new green dials can be purchased in the 40mm Large or 35mm Medium sizes.
  • The blue dial model previously only available in a Large size is now also available in Medium.

The trend of releasing as many green dials as possible may have passed a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for any more. Released somewhat under the radar at 2023’s edition of Watches & Wonders, the new Santos de Cartier in Smoky Green brings a new taste of industrial sophistication. With its roots reaching all the way back to 1904 and the Brazilian aeronaut Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos de Cartier was actually Cartier’s first steel sports watch in the ‘70s. The modern incarnation blends influences from both sides of its storied history, resulting in a watch that’s simultaneously classy and outrageous.

Cartier have always done things their own way, and bringing a jeweller’s approach to watchmaking has resulted in an individual identity that is irreplicable. The Santos de Cartier case is a beautiful example of this, which seems stranger the more it’s analysed and yet feels like an objectively attractive form. The flared square case with brushed surfaces and visible screws imply a utilitarian attitude, but symmetry and the wide, polished bezel bring in an ordered structure which feels appropriately formal. The new Smoky Green colour scheme is similarly versatile, fitting in with both dressy and casual contexts thanks to bold colour with refined execution. The gradient effect provides a darker backdrop for the rhodium Roman numerals, allowing for slick legibility from the sword hands and sector minute track.

The new Santos de Cartier is available in two standard sizes – Large and Medium. The larger version, which measures 39.8mm across and 47.5mm lug-to-lug, is still a comfortable size and includes a negative date display at 6 o’clock for symmetrical utility. The medium size is a typical three hander at 35.1mm wide and 41.9mm lug-to-lug, but still uses the Calibre 1847 MC automatic movement. It’s also worth mentioning that the medium model also now comes in the blue dial version that was previously only available as a large.

The new Santos de Cartier in Smoky Green pricing and availability:

The new Santos de Cartier watches in Smoky Green will be available around June 2023 from Cartier’s website, boutiques, and authorised dealers. Price: €6,350 (Medium) / €6,950 (Large)

Brand Cartier
Model Santos de Cartier
Case Dimensions 39.8mm x 47.5mm (Large) / 35.1mm x 41.9mm (Medium)
Case Material Stainless steel
Water Resistance 100m
Crystal(s) Sapphire
Dial Smoky Green
Strap Steel bracelet
Movement Calibre 1847 MC
Power Reserve 42 hours
Availability Available from June 2023
Price €6,350 (Medium) / €6,950 (Large)