Cartier unveils a new version of the Santos Chronograph

• The Santos De Cartier Chronograph now features an enhanced dial, reduced dimensions and pushers on the right side of the case. • It is presented in yellow gold, two-tone yellow gold and steel, and steel.

Kunaal Khemka

May 28, 2026

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What is the new Santos De Cartier Chronograph?

For Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, Cartier has introduced a new version of the Santos De Cartier Chronograph. With a refreshed dial, a more wearable case size, and pushers on the right side of the case (the earlier version, introduced in 2020, had a single pusher on the left side), the chronograph version of the aviation-inspired Santos is more handsome than ever. It joins the brand’s Santos De Cartier collection.

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What are the dial features?

Dial features alternating satin and sunburst finishes. Sword-shaped black hands (the central seconds hand is “lollipop” shaped) are made from non-alloyed steel and coated with Super-LumiNova. A ring encircles each of the three counters, gold for the yellow gold and two-tone versions and rhodium for the steel version. The subtle hour-markers on the railway-track hour and minute scale are coated with Super-LumiNova.

“The high level of finish was achieved via a process formed of more than 70 steps. From the stamping of the dial to the application of a final protective layer, decals establish the logo, rail-track and numerals with the flashed circles surrounding the counters.”

What are the case and bracelet features?

Yellow gold case and bracelet. Heptagonal crown is set with a sapphire. An additional semi-matt dark grey alligator strap is provided.

Yellow gold and steel case and bracelet. Heptagonal crown is set with a synthetic blue faceted spinel. An additional black rubber strap is provided.

Steel case and bracelet. Heptagonal crown is set with a synthetic blue faceted spinel. An additional black rubber strap is provided.

Case measures 47.5 mm (length) * 37.7 mm (width) * 11.6 mm (thickness). Dial side features a square-shaped sapphire crystal. Closed caseback (made from yellow gold on the yellow gold version and steel on the two-tone and steel versions). Water resistant up to 10 bar, which is approximately 100 metres or 330 feet.

The bracelets feature the brand’s SmartLink™ system for easy adjustment and QuickSwitch™ for easy interchangeability between bracelet and additional strap. They come with an interchangeable folding buckle.

Is it powered by an automatic movement?

Yes. It is powered by Calibre 1904-CH MC, an automatic column wheel chronograph movement that drives the central hours and minutes, small seconds and date at 6 o’clock and chronograph functions: central seconds, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. It has a diameter of 25.6 mm, comprises of 35 jewels, beats at a modern frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 47 hours.

What do we think?

The new Santos De Cartier Chronograph was a pleasant surprise among the brand’s new models launched in Geneva last month. I was fortunate to try the two-tone and steel versions (the yellow gold version was not available during my appointment). They wore really well on my wrist, thanks to the reduced dimensions from the previous model.

The Santos is a horological and design icon, one that does not need justification to exist in a watch collection. For collectors seeking a Santos with a little something more, then the Santos De Cartier Chronograph is a compelling proposition. It evokes the history and legacy of aviator Albert Santos-Dumont and his need to read the time during flight, comprises the design codes of the Santos and looks really good as a versatile chronograph.

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