No: “about to retire” was a prediction made in 2016 about particular Santos models, not a current retirement notice for the whole collection. Cartier’s US catalog lists 51 Santos de Cartier models, spanning small, medium, and large sizes and including steel, gold, two-tone, and titanium options. That catalog snapshot shows the collection is still represented in the US; it does not guarantee availability at a particular boutique or elsewhere in the world.
What “leaving the stage” meant in 2016
George Cramer’s Fratello article, published January 6, 2016, said the “famous Santos de Cartier” was “about to retire.” Read in its original context, the line describes the catalog moment he was discussing—not a current announcement that Cartier would discontinue every Santos. Cramer focused on the Santos Galbée XL and the 1978-era Santos. His account does not establish that every Santos variant was being withdrawn.
That distinction matters because Santos de Cartier is a collection name, while Galbée, Santos-Dumont, and later Santos de Cartier watches refer to different models or eras. Cartier’s present-day collection is not simply the same set of references Cramer described in 2016.
How the Santos evolved
From Santos-Dumont to the 1978-era Santos
Cartier’s collection overview says Louis Cartier imagined the Santos de Cartier for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, so he could tell time while flying. Cartier describes it as the first modern watch specifically designed for the wrist.
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- 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
Cramer’s account places the launch of the modern Santos in Paris in 1978, as a more casual steel-and-gold reinterpretation of the Santos-Dumont. He highlights its square case, visible screws, white dial, Roman numerals, and blued baton hands, and sets the launch against a broader move toward more accessible materials and sportier styling at Cartier. Those details and that framing are Cramer’s historical account.
The Galbée and the models Cramer discussed
Cramer explains Galbée as referring to the slightly curved case. He describes steel, gold, and two-tone versions, as well as Galbée models and limited editions. His own fit comparison favors the curved XL case; that is a personal assessment, not a universal or controlled wrist-fit finding.
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
For the catalog state he describes, Cramer says that in 2012 only two mechanical men’s Santos models remained: the steel-and-gold Galbée XL and an all-steel version, both with automatic ETA caliber 49. He gives the Galbée XL dimensions as 32 × 45.5 mm and the original as 29 × 41 mm. These are period-specific figures from his article, not dimensions for today’s Santos models.
What Cartier lists now
Cartier’s US collection catalog lists 51 Santos de Cartier models in the observed 2026 catalog. The listings include quartz and automatic options, several case materials, and small, medium, and large sizes. This is a regional catalog snapshot, not proof of worldwide stock or availability at every Cartier boutique.
Rank #3
- 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
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A current large steel automatic example
One Cartier US product listing describes a large steel automatic Santos de Cartier with caliber 1847 MC, a case 39.8 mm wide and 9.38 mm thick, and a steel bracelet with SmartLink adjustment. It also lists an additional blue alligator strap and QuickSwitch interchangeability, and states water resistance up to 10 bar, approximately 100 meters. These specifications apply to that listed product, not to every watch in the Santos collection.
How to compare Santos watches
Before comparing prices or deciding which model suits you, identify the exact reference and its era. Names that sound related do not make the watches interchangeable. For a vintage or pre-owned purchase, compare the actual watch’s specifications and condition rather than relying on measurements from a different Santos.
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
- Reference and era: Separate the 1978-era Santos, Galbée, later or current Santos de Cartier, and Santos-Dumont.
- Size and shape: Check the dimensions for the specific reference and consider how its case shape sits on your wrist. Cramer’s 29 × 41 mm and 32 × 45.5 mm figures describe the historical models in his article; the modern large example above is a different watch.
- Materials and finish: Steel, gold, two-tone, and other materials produce different appearances and purchase costs.
- Movement and functions: Confirm whether the exact reference is quartz or mechanical, and identify its caliber where stated. Do not assume the movement in one generation carries over to another.
- Bracelet and strap: Check the exact watch for its adjustment and interchangeability system. SmartLink and QuickSwitch are listed for the modern product example; that does not establish compatibility with vintage models.
- Condition and provenance: For a pre-owned watch, assess condition, provenance, and documentation. The cited sources do not establish an authentication procedure, valuation method, or current secondary-market price.
Verdict
The 2016 “leaving the stage” line is best understood as a period-specific claim about models Cramer was discussing, not as a current retirement notice for the Santos de Cartier collection. Cartier’s US catalog still lists a broad range of Santos models, but the right comparison is between exact references—not a vintage Galbée, a 1978-era Santos, and a current model treated as one watch.
Quick Recap
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