Cartier’s iconic Santos de Cartier has been given a refined update. The new ‘petit’ model balances heritage and modernity in steel, gold, or two-tone — proof that timeless design knows no scale.

A little smaller, no less striking. Cartier’s latest release sees the beloved Santos de Cartier scaled down — a nod to the watch’s early dimensions and a reminder that elegance often lies in proportion. 

At 27mm wide and 34.5mm high, the new downscaled model brings a finely tuned sense of balance to the collection, while retaining the bold design language that has defined the Santos since 1904: square case, visible screws, and sharp Roman numerals. 

Created for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was the first modern wristwatch, designed for ease in the cockpit. Today, it’s more about precision of style. This petite evolution adds a sunray-effect dial and a high-autonomy quartz movement specifically adapted to its scaled-down case. It’s available in all-steel, two-tone yellow gold and steel, or solid yellow gold, with the same QuickSwitch system that makes straps refreshingly interchangeable — calfskin for the mixed-metal models, and alligator for the gold. 

Proof that less can indeed be more, this refined Santos keeps the spirit of flight intact, while feeling perfectly grounded in the now. A classic, recut — still square, still striking, just more subtle in its statement.

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