Cartier Sports Watches Are Having a Moment

French watchmaker Cartier is best known for its Art Deco, elegant designs. With icons such as the Tank, Ballon Bleu, and Pasha, Cartier is considered the go-to brand for dress watches that wear like jewelry.

While Cartier has been making sports watches for a century now (Santos, its aviation watch, was launched in 1904), they are usually an option to Rolex and Omega’s powerfully built timepieces.
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But that may be a thing of the past. Cartier has revamped their sports watches, and they are fast becoming the darling of the young, watch-geek set. Let’s get to know them:

CARTIER SANTOS

The Santos is generally accepted as the first watch designed to be worn on the wrist. Made by Louis Cartier, upon the request of renowned aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, the Santos was created so that pilots can tell time while flying. Launched in 1904 ; last updated in 2018.
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Defining characteristics: square dial and case with screws on the bezel, screws punctuating steel bracelet links
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Best for: those who have a penchant for iconic designs and square watches

CARTIER DRIVE

The Drive is said to be the modern day man’s Cartier. It’s not as dressy as Tank watches, but also not as brawny as the Calibre. The vintage automotive inspired watch is targeted for men and motoring fans, but still very sophisticated, and distinctly Cartier. Launched in 2016.

Defining characteristics: wide but thin, cushion-shaped case, guilloche design on dial, sub-seconds dial

Best for: those who want a sophisticated sports watch

CARTIER CALIBRE

Perhaps the most distinguishable of all Cartier watches is the Calibre. With its round case and partial roman numerals, it has a strong presence and powerful look that’s a bit of a departure from classic Cartier watches ; and it also doesn’t disappoint with its technical features.

The Calibre Diver is the first diver’s watch from Cartier and is the slimmest in the world. While it has the striking looks of the Calibre de Cartier, it’s a true dive watch, meaning it meets the technical requirements of the ISO 6425 – something not many ‘dive’ watches can claim.

It is also powered by the in-house 1904 MC calibre.

The Calibre Chronograph also runs on the in-house 1904 MC calibre, which one can see through the sapphire caseback.

Moreover, it comes with a vertical clutch that eliminates the usual jitters that chronographs with lateral clutches experience.

Launched in 2010. Calibre Chronograph in 2013, Calibre Diver in 2014.

Defining characteristics: round case, sword-shaped hands, partial roman numerals, and oversized 12 o’clock roman numeral hour marker

Best for: those who want an eye-catching, compliment inducing watch that’s also technically capable

CARTIER TANK MC

The Tank MC is the sporty reinterpretation of the classic Tank. With a thicker 9.5 mm case, it has a heftier, more masculine look, without compromising refinement. It’s the first Tank watch to have the in-house 1904 MC calibre. Launched in 2014.

Defining characteristics: slightly curved, Tank-style case; guilloche dial at center

Best for: Cartier Tank fans who want a larger case, and more masculine design codes

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SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:

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CARTIER SANTOS

CARTIER DRIVE

CARTIER CALIBRE

CARTIER TANK MC

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