Small But Mighty: Cartier Redefines Elegance with the New Santos de Cartier Small Model

Source: Cartier

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

July 15th, 2025 – With the introduction of the new Santos de Cartier Small Model, the Maison continues to finesse the art of horological evolution—this time by shrinking its scale while sharpening its edge. Drawing directly from the original watch created for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, the small model embraces history without repeating it, reinterpreting the iconic square watch for today’s collector with a subtle, streamlined confidence.

This is no mere miniature. It’s a masterclass in proportion, design continuity, and mechanical ingenuity, condensed into a striking 27 mm x 34.5 mm case.

The original Santos de Cartier marked a horological revolution as the first modern wristwatch created for functionality in flight—a bold move that remains core to the collection’s identity. The visible screws across its bezel, once a provocative design decision in a world that concealed mechanics, have since become the signature aesthetic of the line.

In this small model, that legacy continues, but with a renewed focus on balance and sophistication. Offered in steel, yellow gold, or a steel-and-gold bi-metal combination, each iteration retains Cartier’s hallmark clean lines and refined surfaces, contrasting its industrial detailing with polished elegance.

Inside, the watch is powered by a high-autonomy quartz movement, adapted to suit the compact profile of the small model. This update offers everyday ease while remaining true to Cartier’s standards of precision, making it a modern companion for those who appreciate heritage without sacrificing practicality.

The watch is water-resistant to 3 bars (approximately 30 meters), ensuring durability without compromising refinement.

One of the most delicate updates in this release is the new sunray-effect dial, a radiant feature that adds dimensionality and visual sophistication to the face of the timepiece. Paired with the squared case and soft-edged bezel, it delivers subtle drama—proving that, when executed with restraint, even the smallest details can create an outsized impression.

Versatility remains central to the design. Like its larger counterparts, the small model features an interchangeable strap system that allows wearers to toggle between a metal bracelet or a leather strap, depending on mood or occasion. Non-precious metal versions are paired with smooth calfskin, while the all-gold model is matched with elegant alligator leather, each fastened with a refined ardillon buckle that mirrors the watch’s compact elegance.

The Santos de Cartier Small Model is not simply a downsized version of a beloved classic—it’s a recalibration. By distilling the watch’s core identity into a smaller frame, Cartier delivers a timepiece that remains instantly recognizable, yet subtly reimagined for modern sophistication.