The new Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium resolves a common point of consumer feedback
Zach Blass- Cartier has unveiled a new, fully titanium version of its beloved Santos de Cartier.
- Its sandblasted titanium bezel will be less prone to scratches than the polished steel/gold bezels.
- With this new material for the range, the “SmartLink” system has not been carried over.
It is very easy for watch collectors to find things to whine about, and I include myself in that bucket. Though a top-selling watch that many people both in and outside of the watch-collecting niche gravitate towards, enthusiasts and owners of the Santos de Cartier have often pointed out that the polished bezels of the steel, two-tone, and gold models can be real scratch magnets. This element, which is really be the case for any watch that utilises a polished metal bezel, has not necessarily put off buyers from enjoying its timeless design… But some holdouts have been begging for a solution before they take the plunge. That solution is now here with the new Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium, albeit with a few caveats.
The new Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium is presented in the ‘large size’, which, as anyone familiar with Cartier knows, is not all that large – just large for Cartier. At about 40mm in width, Cartier’s large size is a modern sweetspot for most collectors, and notably, the large size includes a date complication, whereas the medium and smaller sizes do not. So it makes sense Cartier would first debut this even sportier new take on the Santos de Cartier in large.
Its dial is executed in a matte silver/opaline tone with the familiar Roman numerals, blued sword hands, and date at 6 o’clock. The novelty really lies within the usage of titanium, which Cartier states is 1.5 times harder than its steel despite being 43% lighter. This returns us to the headline regarding the bezel.
The new titanium case and bracelet opt for a sandblasted finish instead of a brushed finish, and, while there are polished accents found through the screws of the case and bracelet and the edges of the case’s flanks, the bezel is very notably executed in a sandblasted finish rather than a mirror polish. Though not impervious to scratches, as a tougher material, it is less prone – and a sandblasted finish, instead of a polished finish, means that the bezel, should it get scratches, will hide its blemishes far, far better.
In life, there are always tradeoffs. So, what is the tradeoff here? Unfortunately, Cartier has not carried over its SmartLink adjustment system to the titanium bracelet. The steel models not only included interchangeable straps, which could easily be swapped with just your finger, but also a bracelet with links that required no screwdrivers or pin and mallet to remove or add. You could just use your fingers as well. That being said, the new titanium model still features QuickSwitch, allowing for interchangeable swapping between strap/bracelet options.
Another notable point is the pricing. At A$18,900, it is priced A$4,600 more than the large model in full steel, but A$2,700 less than the two-tone large model. A titanium watch being more pricey than its steel equivalent is kind of standard in the luxury watch game, so that does make complete sense. But it is much closer to the two-tone price than the steel, making this a more premium-priced Santos de Cartier option. Therefore, if the allure of a less scratchable bezel for your Santos de Cartier is alluring, you will have to pay a fair amount more.
Ultimately, I think this is an excellent addition to the range and one I hope Cartier continues to expand. It may be pricey in the eyes of some, but it does offer a whole new wear experience for such an iconic model. The sandblasted finish gives off a more modern, next-gen look for the collection with roots that date back to 1904 and an official launch year of 1978. It is strange for the design to feel so light on the wrist, being so used to steel and precious metal options. But the Santos de Cartier has certainly never been so daily-wearable as this.
Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium Large pricing and availability
The Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium Large will be available from November 2025. Price: A$18,900
| Brand | Cartier |
| Model | Santos de Cartier Titanium Large |
| Case Dimensions | 39.8mm (W) x 9.38mm (T) x 47.5mm (L) |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Matte silver/opaline |
| Strap | Titanium bracelet, butterfly folding clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 1847 MC, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | From November 2025 |
| Price | A$18,900 |