Cartier’s 2025 Santos update adds two large-model watches with very different personalities: the full-titanium WSSA0089 (also CRWSSA0089) at $11,500 in the United States, and the black luminous steel WSSA0096 (CRWSSA0096) at a reported $8,650. Both use Cartier’s automatic 1847 MC movement family, interchangeable straps and bracelets, sapphire crystals, and 10-bar water resistance. The titanium model is the lighter-looking, industrial option; the steel version delivers the higher-contrast dial and a substantially lower price.
What Cartier added for 2025
The two references retain the familiar large Santos architecture—exposed bezel screws, a square case with rounded corners and an integrated bracelet—but change the material and dial treatment rather than creating a new case shape. Cartier’s official collection history traces the Santos to Louis Cartier’s 1904 design for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed to read the time while flying.
Launch coverage dated October 7, 2025, identified the references as WSSA0089/CRWSSA0089 for titanium and WSSA0096/CRWSSA0096 for black luminous steel. The “CR” prefix is Cartier’s alternate reference notation; it does not indicate a different watch.
Full-titanium Santos WSSA0089
Specifications
| Feature | WSSA0089 specification |
|---|---|
| Case and bracelet | Titanium case and bracelet, with an integrated steel clasp |
| Finish | Matte bead-blasted treatment, described by Hodinkee in 2025 as unusually matte for Cartier |
| Dimensions | 47.5 × 39.8 mm; 9.38 mm thick (Cartier current product specification) |
| Dial and hands | Silvered opaline dial with blued/blue-steel sword-shaped hands |
| Movement | Automatic Cartier calibre 1847 MC |
| Crystal and water resistance | Sapphire crystal; 10 bar, approximately 100 metres |
| Strap system | Titanium bracelet plus nubuck alligator strap, both using Cartier QuickSwitch; the strap has an interchangeable steel deployant buckle |
| US price | $11,500 on Cartier’s 2025/2026 US collection listing |
Titanium changes the Santos’s visual language as much as its material. The bead-blasted surface suppresses the usual bright contrast of polished steel and gives the bezel and case a technical, almost tool-watch character. Cartier itself presents the model as an exploration of titanium’s “ultra-lightweight nature.” No official published weight figure establishes exactly how much lighter it is than the steel reference, so the material advantage should be understood as a design and engineering intent rather than a quantified comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Classic Square Design: Adopts a square dial design with slightly rounded corners. The dial has Roman numeral hour markers from I to XII, classic design style that is clear and easy to read
- Strap & Size: Available in both leather and steel straps to ensure comfort and Sturdy, perfect for everyday wear or formal occasions. Dial diameter: 33mm, the watch can adjust the steel band length from 14.5 cm to 20 cm, suitable for most of Men’s wrist
- Precision Movement: Japanese quartz movement, provides precise and accurate time keeping
- Daily Water Resistant: In general, this watch can withstand splashes or brief immersion in water. However, it is not recommended for swimming or bathing
- Product Quality Suppor: We commit to reliable product quality assistance. Your trust means everything to us
Black luminous steel Santos WSSA0096
Specifications
| Feature | WSSA0096 specification |
|---|---|
| Case and bracelet | Steel case and bracelet with SmartLink sizing |
| Dimensions | 47 × 39.8 mm; approximately 9.4 mm thick (Cartier current product specification) |
| Dial and hands | Black dial with black steel sword-shaped hands and luminous material |
| Movement | Automatic Cartier calibre 1847 MC family |
| Crystal and water resistance | Sapphire crystal; 10 bar, approximately 100 metres |
| Strap system | Steel bracelet with SmartLink plus nubuck alligator strap using Cartier QuickSwitch |
| US price | $8,650, as reported by Hodinkee in 2025 |
The black dial and luminous hands give this Santos a more legible, contemporary nighttime identity than the silver-and-blue titanium watch. The available information confirms the presence of luminous material, but does not establish an independent brightness or duration test; lume performance should therefore be judged in person rather than inferred from the specification alone.
How the two watches compare
| Decision point | Full titanium WSSA0089 | Black luminous steel WSSA0096 |
|---|---|---|
| Material and surface | Titanium with a matte bead-blasted finish | Steel case and bracelet |
| Dial character | Silvered opaline with blue hands | Black dial with luminous black hands |
| Case format | 47.5 × 39.8 × 9.38 mm | 47 × 39.8 × about 9.4 mm |
| Bracelet adjustment | Titanium bracelet with integrated steel clasp | Steel bracelet with SmartLink sizing |
| Alternative strap | Nubuck alligator with steel deployant; QuickSwitch | Nubuck alligator; QuickSwitch |
| Water resistance | 10 bar/about 100 m | 10 bar/about 100 m |
| Documented US price | $11,500 (Cartier listing) | $8,650 (Hodinkee, 2025) |
Bracelet, strap and daily configuration
QuickSwitch on both references
Both watches can move between their supplied bracelet and nubuck alligator strap through Cartier’s QuickSwitch system. That makes the formal-to-casual change a user operation rather than a conventional spring-bar exercise. The strap versions remain part of the factory configuration, not an aftermarket assumption.
Rank #2
- Precise Japan Quartz Movement - Accuracy: +/-20 seconds per month
- Stainless Steel Case and Band, Push Button Release Clasp
- Mineral Crystal, 3-Hand Analog Display
- Case Size: 22 mm Diameter, 7.5 mm Thickness
- Water Resistant - 30 M
Different bracelet hardware
The titanium watch combines a titanium bracelet with an integrated steel clasp. The black steel model uses a steel bracelet and Cartier’s SmartLink system for sizing. Those are distinct solutions: QuickSwitch concerns changing the bracelet or strap, while SmartLink concerns removing bracelet links for fit.
Is the titanium Santos worth the premium?
At the documented US prices, titanium costs $2,850 more than the black steel model—about one-third above the steel watch’s $8,650 price. The premium buys a different case material and finish, not a separately specified movement or greater water resistance. Both are large Santos watches with the same broad 1847 MC automatic platform, sapphire crystal and 10-bar rating.
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- SMALL TWO-TONE DESIGN: This square silver gold plated women watch designed by a smaller case size: case length: 0.78in, case width: 0.78in, boasts a sleek design highlighted by its elegant bracelet, perfectly complementing every outfits from casual to formal
- TINY ROMAN DIAL DISPLAY: Its Roman numeral dial not only adds a retro touch but also ensures easy readability, making it a sophisticated choice for daily wear
- WATCH MATERIAL: The two-tone watchband is designed for comfortable long-lasting wear; imported Japanese quartz movement offers reliable timekeeping. 3ATM waterproof can meet daily use demand
- DAINTY VINTAGE TWO-TONE BRACELET: This petite watch designed to be compact and suitable for women, characterized by a smaller case size and a gold-tone finish, providing a dainty and vintage look, best gift choice
- Customer Service: Offers peace of mind with a satisfaction shopping experience, if the purchase does not meet expectations, pls contact us at any time
Choose WSSA0089 if
- You specifically want titanium’s matte, bead-blasted appearance and the less reflective industrial surface.
- The silvered dial and blue hands fit your wardrobe better than a black dial.
- You value the exclusivity of Cartier’s full-titanium execution enough to pay the documented $2,850 difference.
Choose WSSA0096 if
- High contrast and luminous hands matter more than titanium construction.
- You prefer a conventional steel bracelet with SmartLink sizing.
- You want the large Santos format while keeping the purchase price at the lower documented level.
Neither model has a specification-based advantage in water resistance or movement category. The rational choice is therefore driven by material, finish, dial legibility and budget rather than by a different mechanical platform.
References, pricing and availability
Use the complete reference when searching: Cartier Santos de Cartier WSSA0089 or CRWSSA0089 for titanium, and WSSA0096 or CRWSSA0096 for black luminous steel. The $11,500 titanium figure comes from Cartier’s US collection listing for 2025/2026; the $8,650 steel figure was reported by Hodinkee in 2025. Prices can change and are region-specific, so a local Cartier boutique should be treated as the final authority.
Rank #4
- CLASSIC ROMAN NUMERAL DESIGN WITH BLUE HANDS – White dial features bold Roman numerals and striking blue hands for a timeless, elegant look. Three separate sub-dials track hours, week, and date. High-hardness scratch-resistant glass keeps the dial clear. A sophisticated style for both business and casual occasions
- AUTOMATIC SELF-WINDING MOVEMENT – Powered by wrist motion, no battery needed. Manual winding also available: turn the crown up to 20 turns to fully charge the mainspring. Reliable mechanical movement keeps accurate time. Avoid adjusting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM to protect the calendar mechanism
- COMFORTABLE PU LEATHER STRAP – Soft, flexible, and odor-free PU leather strap fits comfortably for all-day wear. Case diameter 40mm, thickness 15mm, band width 20mm. Fits wrist sizes 5.5 to 8 inches. Lightweight at 95g for effortless daily wear
- SPLASH-RESISTANT FOR DAILY USE – Rated 1ATM (10 meters/33 feet), this watch withstands hand-washing and light splashes. Perfect for daily wear, business meetings, and travel. Note: Not suitable for swimming, showering, or submersion in water
- VERSATILE ACCESSORY FOR ANY OCCASION – Transitions seamlessly from office to weekend. Makes an ideal gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, and holidays. A reliable timepiece that combines classic aesthetics with practical functionality for the modern man
Availability is also location-dependent. Cartier’s UK page has labeled WSSA0089 unavailable online while directing customers toward boutique or contact options. That status does not establish worldwide scarcity, but it does mean online stock should be checked at the time of purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line for buyers
The full-titanium Santos WSSA0089 is the more distinctive watch: its bead-blasted titanium case, blue hands and matching bracelet create a restrained, technical interpretation of Cartier’s icon. The black luminous steel WSSA0096 is the value-oriented alternative, pairing the same large-case concept and 10-bar rating with stronger dial contrast and a $2,850 lower documented US price. Buy the titanium model for its material and finish; buy the steel model when legibility, SmartLink hardware and price carry more weight.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
