The Watch: The Santos has the longest provenance of any wristwatch on the market. Louis Cartier built the original in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed something he could read in the cockpit without reaching for a pocket. The square case with exposed screws and integrated strap became one of the first purpose-built wristwatches for men. The design has barely changed in 120 years because there wasn't much to fix.
What's changed in 2025 is the case material. The WSSA0089 is the first time Cartier has produced the Santos in end-to-end titanium, with both the case and matching bracelet rendered in bead-blasted grade 5 titanium for a uniform matte finish. The visual character is significantly different from the polished steel and gold variants. The bead-blasted finish doesn't reflect light the way polished surfaces do, which lets the case geometry and the exposed screws read more prominently. The titanium construction also drops the weight substantially. On the wrist, the Santos Large in titanium feels closer to a sport watch than the dressier versions of the same reference.
The case measures 47.5mm x 39.8mm at 9.38mm thick. The silvered opaline dial features black Roman numerals, blued steel sword-shaped hands, a railway minute track, and a date window at 6 o'clock. The 7-sided crown is set with a black faceted synthetic spinel cabochon, replacing the blue spinel found on the standard Santos line.
Inside is Cartier's in-house caliber 1847 MC, automatic, running at 28,800 vph with a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is 100 meters.
The QuickSwitch system allows tool-free swaps between the titanium bracelet and the included dark grey alligator leather strap with steel folding buckle.
This 2025 example is in excellent condition. Full set minus the card. Warranty registered through Cartier Care and valid until 2033.
Condition: Excellent.
Includes: Full set minus card. Box, papers, titanium bracelet, and dark grey alligator strap. Warranty registered with Cartier Care, valid until 2033.
