Cartier has always delighted with horological greats, and 2024 is no different — thanks to the Santos de Cartier Dual Time and the Santos-Dumont Rewind. Both models topped off what is already a prestigious line in the brand’s range of watches. In fact, the Santos range of watches dates all the way back to 1904, cementing itself as the first men’s dress watch. So these unique additions not only celebrate a century’s worth of timekeeping, they also invite onlookers to look at horology from a different perspective.

Take a first gander at the Santos de Cartier Dual Time. In essence, it is a dual timezone watch displayed by a sub-dial at six o’clock, replete with a day-night indicator. The complications are very fitting, especially when considering the theme of aviators and travelling. While one would seldom travel across timezones during the turn of the 20th century, this nod to the aviator’s past will certainly appeal to the jet-setters of today.

Some might argue that dual timezone watches are rarely special, both for horology and Cartier. But this is the first dual timezone complication for the Santos range, so tack that on as yet another first for the timepiece.

Its 40mm diameter and 10mm thickness means it wears a little sporty on the wrist. Of course, all these are subjective and dependent on one’s wrist size, but this particular model does lean on the chunkier side of things. Its sunray brushed grey dial makes it gleam on the wrist, especially when paired with the bracelet. If bling is not one’s thing, switch to leather straps at the push of a button, thanks to the QuickSwitch system.

What if one is yearning for something a little slimmer? Then there is a Santos-Dumont too. The Santos-Dumont Rewind is a zany take on timekeeping, and Cartier knows it.

Besides the carnelian red stone dial that is striking enough to prompt double-takes, there is one other element that helps this watch stand out — the reverse indices on the dial. In essence, clockwise and counterclockwise lose their meaning here. What would regularly be nine o’clock will be three o’clock on this watch, and the hands turn the other way around. Was there any real reason or practical advantage for this? Not really. And that is where the charm lies. Its name says it all anyway — Rewind. While one does not get the ability to turn back time, be sure to feel like a time traveller with this piece.

With its 31mm diameter and 7mm thickness, this watch definitely looks dressier than its dual-time counterpart. However, this distinction between the models should not matter, anyway. When one puts on a Cartier timepiece, they are dressing up in one way or another. The Santos- Dumont Rewind is not unique only in appearance, however. It is limited to 200 pieces, making it as exclusive as it is rare.

There are peripheral releases alongside these two models, but when it comes to attention-grabbing timepieces, none do it better than the Santos de Cartier Dual Time and Santos-Dumont Rewind. One appeals to the modern adventurer, while the other calls out to the quirkier souls. The best part is that there is no need be one or the other when it comes to Cartier. Just like the French maison, one can be zanily elegant, all in their own right.

Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our October 2024 issue.