Deployant
Dear Santa: A Christmas Wishlist 4
Chester's Christmas picks from Patek to VC to De Bethune and Grand Seiko Credor. California Dreaming? Or an exercise in honing vision?
1,197 articles · 217 videos found · page 5 of 48
Deployant
Chester's Christmas picks from Patek to VC to De Bethune and Grand Seiko Credor. California Dreaming? Or an exercise in honing vision?
Worn & Wound
The Cartier appointment at Watches & Wonders this year was, as always, a dizzying experience. The incredible breadth of the collection is unlike anything you’ll see at Palexpo during Watches & Wonders week, and it always amazes me how freely these incredibly valuable, intricate creations are freely passed around a table of watch media types to handle, photograph, and try on. It would be absolutely impossible to run down everything we were shown in our meeting, but I keep coming back to a selection of releases that zero in on Cartier’s unique bracelet making capabilities. This is not something I normally expect from Cartier, but maybe I should. I think for the most part we recognize Cartier as masters of design and shape – there have been so many great case designs over the brand’s history it’s impossible to recount them all here. Some have become genuinely iconic and some have been a bit lost to history, but their ingenuity and creativity is second to none and they have the reputation they deserve as a design first brand for good reason. In our mind’s eye, collectively, we typically see these watches on straps. But for certain references a bracelet is key to understanding not just the visual design language, but in how these watches wear. Because a great bracelet doesn’t complete the look of a watch, it makes or breaks the experience of having it on your wrist, and can take a watch from being a beautiful design object to something you’d actually want to...
Monochrome
In Cartier‘s current collection, the name Santos refers to the related yet distinct collections. On one side is the Santos-Dumont, a thin, elegant, shaped watch that directly connects to the origins of the name, when Cartier created what was one of the first timepieces for pilots (the emblematic 1904 Santos made for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont). […]
Time+Tide
This year, they trimmed it back — "only" 70 SKUs. And yet, somehow, we still had to fight to keep our TOP Cartier watches list to five.
Monochrome
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. In 1904, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont approached Louis Cartier, complaining that pocket watches were impractical in flight – he needed both hands on the controls. Louis Cartier’s solution not only marked the birth of an icon but is also widely considered the first purpose-built men’s wristwatch. […]
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Deployant
Cartier, the manufacture of shapes flexed their muscles in this year’s WWG26 releases. We picked 4 our favourites as the highlights.
Monochrome
The iconic distorted profile of the Cartier Crash returns in 2026 as part of a trio of emblematic shaped watches in the Cartier Privé – Les Opus annual capsule. Cartier has selected the Tank Normale, the Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and the Crash Squelette as candidates for its 10th Opus, all revisited in platinum cases, a […]
Monochrome
Among other watches presented in Geneva this week, Cartier unveils a new interpretation of one of the brand’s celebrated models, the Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph, to expand its highly desirable Cartier Privé collection. Following the model’s praised return in 2024, the brand introduces a platinum edition with a dial inspired by the Collection Privée Cartier Paris […]
SJX Watches
Cartier’s debuts at Watches & Wonders 2026 include notable crowd pleasers, with a standout being the Santos-Dumont LM with a mesh-link bracelet in matching precious metal. Inspired by watch bracelets of the 1920s, the new bracelet is 15 links across with each link just 1.15 mm high, making it supple and ergonomic. Very much catering to fad for such bracelets, it is also removable and sports a double-folding clasp. The new Santos-Dumont models themselves are cosmetic variations of the existing model, with the most unusual being the yellow gold version with a dial of obsidian, which is volanic glass. Initial thoughts The new Santos-Dumont pairs the familiar square watch with an appropriately retro mesh-link bracelet that fits the design perfectly. Like the Les Opus trio, this Santos-Dumont trio isn’t imaginative or novel, but it is executed well and has tactile appeal. Both the clasp and flush-fit end links that continue the link pattern are a pleasing touch. In some ways the bracelet is perhaps more fitting for the model given its history as an aviator’s watch, although the Santos-Dumont now is very much a dress watch in the modern sense of the term. The commercial success of 2023’s Tank Normale with a bracelet probably helped convince Cartier that such bracelets are a winner, despite the substantial cost of a precious metal bracelet today. That said, the new Santos-Dumont on a bracelet is pricey but not outrageously so. It starts at €44,400 in yellow gold and ris...
SJX Watches
Cartier’s crowd favourite Privé line is now 10 years old and the jeweller is returning to its greatest hits for the occasion with two offerings, the first being the flagship Cartier Privé Les Opus. “Opus” is a trio of watches, all in platinum, each being of the most desirable models in the Privé collection – Tank Normale, Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and Crash Squelette. Both the Tank Normale and Tortue Monopoussoir are variants of earlier models, retaining the same case and movement as before, but now with silvered dials featuring red markings. The Crash skeleton, on the other hand, is a new model powered by a new calibre, the 1967 MC, a hand-wind movement with hand hammered bridges. The Crash skeleton is limited to 150 pieces, while the other two models are regular production The second anniversary trio is Cartier Privé La Collection, yet another trio of greatest hits, but in yellow gold and not limited edition, which we’ll detail in another story. Cartier Privé La Collection made up of the Tank Cintree, Tank Normale, and Cloche Initial thoughts It is now a given that Cartier will mine its rich archive for new launches and Les Opus is exactly that. Given the strength of Cartier’s iconic designs, all three watches in the collection are appealing, with the Crash being a little more novel than its siblings in the line-up thanks to its skeleton movement. None of the three watches win any awards for imagination or innovation, but that is arguably besides...
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Monochrome
Brands are fully aware that mechanically minded car enthusiasts tend to appreciate mechanical watches, leading to countless sponsorship gestures and collaborations. After a 14-year hiatus, Cartier is set to delight petrolheads with the return of its automotive-inspired Roadster. Renowned as the master of shaped watches, Cartier’s curvaceous, streamlined Roadster has been refined by a team […]
Time+Tide
An update to the dressy pilot's watch from Cartier brings a slinky new bracelet and a deep stone dial option.The post Cartier releases new large Santos-Dumont models with metal bracelets and in-house mechanical movements appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Cartier relaunches the Roadster in Medium and Large sizes, spanning seven new references in a mixture of metals.The post Cartier’s driving watch is gone from the rear-view mirror: the Roadster is back in steel, two-tone, and gold (live pics) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Cartier's grail collection, with new Privé Les Opus Crash, Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, Tank Normale, Cloche de Cartier, & more.The post Cartier lifts the covers off new burgundy beauties and golden gems for the 10th Privé Opus (live pics) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
It is no secret that we are big fans of the Cartier Santos at Fratello. Within the Santos collection, a special place is reserved for the Santos-Dumont series. Over the past few years, Cartier has shown us some amazing versions of the Santos-Dumont, featuring a wide variety of materials, colors, and finishes. The one thing […] Visit Cartier Turns Up The Dandy Vibes With Three Santos-Dumont Models On Bracelets to read the full article.
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Fratello
With this year’s Cartier Privé release, the brand marks the 10th yearly Privé drop by revisiting three of its most iconic shapes. The Tank Normale, Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and Crash Squelette return in a platinum execution with burgundy accents. In 2024, I spent time with the Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph and came away genuinely impressed. That […] Visit Just When I Thought It Couldn’t Get Better: Cartier Privé Tank Normale, Tortue, And Crash Squelette to read the full article.
Fratello
Sometimes, a watch release makes you feel old. The Cartier Roadster now comes roaring back, but I couldn’t help but think it hadn’t been that long since it debuted. Well, it turns out the launch of the first Roadster was 24 years ago. Anyway, Cartier has just announced a revised collection that maintains the automotive-inspired […] Visit The Cartier Roadster Comes Roaring Back: It’s Ready To Roll In Two Sizes to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Cartier unveils its wares for Watches and Wonders, including the return of the Roadster, a stone dial Santos-Dumont, and a set of TortuesThe post The Roadster returns! Cartier’s 2026 novelties are revealed at Watches and Wonders 2026 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
We spend a week with the Santos De Cartier Large brown dial to see how this timeless piece wears in the hustle and bustle of daily life. What We Love The timeless design of the Santos Ingenious quick-change bracelet and quick-link system The slim profile on the wrist What We Don’t Lack of fine adjustment on the bracelet The brown dial may not be to everyone’s tastes A see-through caseback would be a great addition Overall Score: 8.75/10 Value for money: 9/10 Wearability: 8/10 Design: 9/10 Build quality: 9/10 This article was originally published as Reviewing The New Santos De Cartier Brown Dial As far as watch releases go, few brands garner global attention on the first day at Watches & Wonders. One of these is Cartier. The second biggest watch brand by sales in the world and a brand synonymous with luxury, Cartier always manages to surprise with both their “everyday” pieces, as well as their Cartier Privé and High Jewellery collection from their Maison Mètiers d’Arts. WATCH EDUCATION: A Look Into How Cartier Creates Its Iconic Pieces Back in 2024, I was excited to see first-hand what the Maison would bring out, and hopefully, get my hands on these, as at the time, I had not reviewed a piece from Cartier before. One of these pieces was the Santos De Cartier Large with a 70’s vibe brown gradient dial, and being something very different to what I’m used to wearing, I was keen to put it on the wrist Initial Thoughts I always write down my initial thoughts when...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Timex revives a 1976 archival silhouette with the Timex Lexington Reissue, a $149 affordable dress watch with clear Cartier Tank DNA.
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WatchAdvice
In a world of round watches, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier stands out thanks to its unique design, as only Cartier can! What We Love: The unique style that is very Cartier The great-looking dial that stands out on the wrist Ease of wearing at 36mm for a variety of wrist sizes What We Don’t: The double-folding friction clasp could be upgraded to a push button in this model While unisex, some with larger wrists will most probably need to upgrade to the 42mm The crown was slightly harder to access to change the time for me Overall Rating: 8.25 / 10 Value for Money: 8/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 8/10 Build Quality: 8/10 When people think of Cartier watches, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a maker of shapes. The brand has built much of its identity around distinctive case designs rather than traditional round watches, with icons such as the Santos, Tank, Tortue, Crash and Cloche, to name a few, all standing out as examples of Cartier doing things a little differently. That approach to design has long set the Maison apart from many other watchmakers who tend to lean more heavily on classic round cases. So when Cartier introduced the Cartier de Ballon Bleu in 2007, it represented something slightly different for the brand. On paper, it’s a round watch, which might sound straightforward enough, but as with most things Cartier, it’s not quite that simple. Rather than just producing a traditional circular case, Cartier added its own distinctive twist with the n...
Fratello
Welcome to another Sunday Morning Showdown, dear Fratelli! This week’s battle is a bit different. Our fearless leader, RJ, served up a provocative proposition during our last editorial meeting: “Why don’t we do a battle between two editors’ personal watches for a change?” Okay, RJ, we hear you. We’re ready and prepared. Let’s get personal! […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Thomas’s Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 Vs. Daan’s Cartier Santos Galbée XL to read the full article.
Monochrome
Despite a challenging political and economic context worldwide, and the undeniable impact of tariffs on exports to the US, luxury powerhouse Richemont, owner of Cartier, IWC, JLC, and Vacheron, seems to remain strong. Indeed, in its latest quarterly report for the three-month period ended 31 December 2025 versus the prior-year period, and at constant exchange […]
Time+Tide
Cartier continues to be the big winner of the watch industry - in no small part thanks to its strong 2025 releases.The post Cartier was the unexpected saviour of the watch industry in 2025 – here’s our favourite 5 releases from the year appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
When the topic of Cartier comes up, usually it’s in the context of a discussion of their beautiful, design oriented dress watches. We all know what we’re talking about here: shaped cases, precious metals, exotic gem set jewelry pieces. This is Cartier’s stock-in-trade, and watch for watch there’s probably no brand on the planet better at making those kinds of watches. But if you look through Cartier’s history, there are plenty of oddball creations that don’t fit neatly into the dress watch narrative. True sports watches are rare (RIP, Calibre de Cartier divers) but there are many notable releases from recent years that run right up to the edge of a sportier category. The Drive de Cartier (also discontinued) was an explicit attempt to make a “men’s” watch that was quite elegant but also larger and could easily read as more casual. The Cartier Roadster collection is another example of a line that viewed sporty/casual styles through a uniquely Cartier lens. And, of course, the Santos has existed for many years in oversized and complicated variants (not to mention black coated examples) that fit nicely into this niche. And last week, Cartier announced yet another new Santos that might, in its way, be among Cartier’s sportiest watches ever, thanks to the material used as well as the finish chosen. The new Santos de Cartier in titanium features a bead blasted titanium case and bracelet, and comes in the larger Santos case size, measuring 39.8mm × 9.3mm. Ac...
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