Cartier Clone gave the Santos a thorough overhaul two years ago, revamping the case design and equipping the line with an in-house movement, resulting in a successful new look for a watch first designed in 1904.
That was followed by the introduction of the Replica Santos de Cartier Chronograph XL last year, which boasts a smartly-designed case and dial, as well as an in-house movement.
The new Santos chronograph combines a sharply-finished case with a solidly-constructed in-house movement, along with the historical lineage of the Santos design. Beyond that, the Cartier Santos Replica also appeals for the thoughtful design, like the subtly-positioned chronograph button at nine o’clock.
But it is a little large at over 43 mm in diameter, and feels chunky, though not as much as its predecessor. Inevitably, the Santos chronograph, regardless of design, will lose some of the elegance possessed by the time-only Santos.
For now, the Copy Santos Chronograph is available in three iterations – steel with a black-coated bezel, steel and gold, as well as an all rose-gold model. Both the steel and rose gold watches are only available on a strap.