Cartier has introduced a new titanium iteration of the Santos de Cartier and marked the release with a visual project titled “Not Round, but Santos.” The concept highlights the watch’s long-standing identity as one of the first practical wristwatches and an emblem of innovation. For the campaign, actors Kengo Kora, HIMI, Shota Matsuda, and Nijiro Murakami were photographed by Takay, with film direction by Nobu Arakawa. The result is a portrait series centered on individuals whose outlooks mirror the non-conformist attitude embedded in the Santos. 

The accompanying event expanded this idea through a mix of cultural contributions. Tradman’s Bonsai, led by bonsai artist Teppei Kojima, staged a live pruning session, while Ramdane Touhami and Knxwledge provided DJ performances. Tokyo restaurant Kabi offered food and wine pairings, rounding out a gathering shaped by guests who shared a similarly unconventional stance. Visuals and film from the event capture this collective energy and frame the Santos as a conduit for creative expression. 

The new model preserves the classic Santos silhouette while reworking it in titanium, a material 43% lighter and 1.5 times harder than steel. A black spinel set into the winding crown and a full micro-bead-blasted finish emphasize the depth and matte character of the metal. It is the first Santos built entirely from titanium—from case to bracelet—signaling Cartier’s continued exploration of the watch’s inventive lineage.