Cartier Santos de Cartier Green Degradé WSSA0061 35mm 2024

Cartier Santos de Cartier Green Degradé WSSA0061 / 4075

Introduction

The Cartier Santos de Cartier reference WSSA0061, also known in some markets as model 4075, is one of the most striking modern interpretations of one of the most historically important wristwatches ever made. Presented in stainless steel with a deep green degradé dial, it merges Cartier’s century-old aviation legacy with contemporary colour and refined proportion. The result is a watch that feels both timeless and distinctly current, showing that Cartier continues to evolve the Santos without losing sight of what made it a design icon in the first place.

Design and Construction

The WSSA0061 belongs to the medium-sized Santos family, measuring approximately 35.1 millimetres across and 8.8 millimetres thick. On the wrist it presents a balanced and elegant profile that feels perfectly judged for modern wear. The case is finished in stainless steel with Cartier’s characteristic screw-decorated bezel that dates back to the earliest Santos models. The polished surfaces catch light in a subtle, controlled way rather than overwhelming the dial, which is where much of this model’s appeal lies.

The green dial features a gradient effect that darkens toward the edges, producing an almost metallic depth that shifts with the light. It plays beautifully against the polished steel sword-shaped hands filled with luminous material. The applied minute track around the outer edge is crisp and deliberate, adding clarity to what is otherwise a minimal design. The seven-sided crown is fitted with Cartier’s traditional blue spinel cabochon, a small but essential nod to the brand’s longstanding aesthetic language.

The watch is powered by Cartier’s in-house automatic calibre 1847 MC, a reliable movement designed for daily use and protected within a case water-resistant to 100 metres. It comes fitted to a steel bracelet equipped with Cartier’s SmartLink system, which allows for tool-free adjustment of bracelet length, and includes a second green alligator leather strap. Both use Cartier’s QuickSwitch mechanism, enabling the wearer to swap between them effortlessly. This simple but thoughtful feature embodies the way Cartier blends form and function.

Wearing the Santos Green

In practice, the medium Santos wears larger than its measurements might suggest due to the square case shape, but it remains comfortable even on smaller wrists. It has the visual presence of a sports watch yet retains the refinement and proportions expected of a Cartier. The polished bezel and brushed case surfaces work together to create contrast, while the green dial adds warmth and individuality. On the steel bracelet, the watch feels modern and confident; on the leather strap, it transforms into an elegant piece suitable for formal settings.

Water resistance of 100 metres gives it more practicality than most traditional dress watches, allowing it to handle daily life with ease. The automatic movement offers convenience, quietly winding as it is worn. Despite the technical improvements, it remains faithful to the design principles that made the original Santos so enduring: clarity, proportion and purpose.

The Historical Importance of the Santos

The Santos holds a unique position in horological history. Its origins trace back to 1904 when the pioneering Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont asked his friend Louis Cartier to design a watch that could be worn on the wrist while flying. At the time, pocket watches were the norm, and the idea of strapping one to the wrist was revolutionary. Cartier’s response was the Santos, a square-cased wristwatch with a visible bezel secured by screws, paired with a leather strap. It allowed Santos-Dumont to check the time without removing his hands from the flight controls, and it became one of the very first wristwatches designed specifically for men.

That single commission would go on to define Cartier’s approach to watch design for more than a century. The Santos became not just an instrument of aviation but a symbol of progress and modernity. Over the decades, Cartier refined the case, updated the materials, and introduced new movements, but the essential character remained untouched. The Santos stood as a link between the dawn of powered flight and the birth of the wristwatch as an everyday object.

The reference WSSA0061 continues that lineage. It retains the geometric form and screw-decorated bezel that tie it directly to its early twentieth-century origins, yet it brings a contemporary edge through material, finish, and the bold choice of dial colour. In doing so, it proves that Cartier can honour its heritage without being bound by it.

The Green Degradé Dial

The introduction of a green dial to the Santos line demonstrates Cartier’s understanding of both modern tastes and restrained luxury. Green has become one of the defining colours in watchmaking over the last few years, but Cartier’s execution is subtle rather than loud. The degradé treatment creates a dial that seems to shift between emerald and forest hues depending on the light. It gives depth and character to a design already rich in history.

The dial’s tone changes gradually toward the perimeter, drawing the eye inward and creating the impression of movement even when the watch is still. Against the polished hands and applied markers, it adds just enough modernity to make this reference stand apart from the more traditional silver or blue Santos models. It feels daring without being flashy, contemporary yet unmistakably Cartier.

Position Within the Modern Santos Line

Cartier’s modern Santos collection balances heritage and innovation. The re-engineered bracelets, improved ergonomics, and in-house automatic movements make them far more practical than their predecessors. The WSSA0061 exemplifies this new era: a sport-luxury watch that still looks at home beneath a shirt cuff. Its medium dimensions make it wearable across a range of wrist sizes, appealing to those who value proportion over scale.

Where many modern luxury watches chase attention through sheer size, the Santos remains confident through design discipline. Its curved lugs integrate seamlessly with the bracelet, creating a flowing line that sits naturally on the wrist. The use of polished screws along the bezel continues to serve both aesthetic and historical functions, referencing the rivets of early aircraft while reinforcing the watch’s industrial charm.

The addition of the SmartLink and QuickSwitch systems signals Cartier’s effort to modernise without losing the tactile pleasure that defines its watches. Being able to adjust or change straps without tools makes ownership easier and encourages wearers to use the watch daily, not just keep it as an object of admiration.

The Legacy of the Santos

Few watches have such a clear lineage from their original concept to their modern iteration. The Santos began as a practical tool for an aviator and evolved into one of the cornerstones of modern watch design. It has been produced in countless variations over the decades, yet the essential elements remain intact: a square case with rounded corners, exposed screws, a balanced dial, and a sense of symmetry that feels effortlessly natural.

Cartier’s ability to reinterpret the Santos for different eras while maintaining its identity is a testament to the strength of the original idea. The WSSA0061 serves as proof that even after more than a century, the concept remains fresh. The green dial gives it a distinctly contemporary attitude, while the refined proportions and mechanical integrity ensure it remains true to its roots.

This continuity matters. In a watch landscape often dominated by short-lived trends and oversized designs, the Santos endures as a reminder that proportion and heritage never go out of style. It remains one of the few designs that can genuinely claim to have changed the direction of wristwatch history.

Living with the Santos Green

Owning and wearing the green Santos is an experience defined by balance. It is not a watch that shouts for attention, but it does draw admiration from those who appreciate detail. The green degradé dial is lively in natural light, and the polished steel bezel adds a quiet sparkle. It transitions easily from daytime wear to evening attire.

The steel bracelet feels substantial without being heavy, and the integrated case design ensures comfort even during long wear. The alligator leather strap gives the watch a more formal edge and brings out the richness of the dial’s colour. The QuickSwitch system allows for easy changes between the two, making it practical to tailor the watch to different settings.

In daily use, the automatic 1847 MC movement is reliable and efficient. It provides smooth winding, consistent timekeeping, and a decent power reserve for regular wear. While Cartier does not position this as a tool watch, it is robust enough for everyday life thanks to its well-sealed case and solid construction.

The Broader Context

When viewed against its peers in the luxury watch space, the Santos occupies a distinct niche. It stands apart from the round-cased designs that dominate the market and has a story rooted in genuine innovation. While other brands often reference past models, Cartier’s Santos is the past model. It was there at the very beginning of wristwatch design.

For those who prefer elegance over excess, the green Santos offers a way to express individuality without straying into ostentation. It shows that colour can enhance rather than distract from a classic form. The choice of green feels intentional, a subtle reminder that Cartier continues to move forward while staying grounded in its design codes.

Final Thoughts

The Cartier Santos de Cartier WSSA0061 captures more than a century of history within a modern framework. Its green degradé dial brings contemporary character to a watch whose design helped define what a wristwatch could be. The blend of polished steel, in-house movement, and refined proportions make it both beautiful and wearable.

More than anything, the Santos Green represents Cartier’s enduring philosophy: that a watch should be both a functional instrument and a piece of design artistry. From Alberto Santos-Dumont’s cockpit in 1904 to the wrists of today’s wearers, it has remained a symbol of innovation and elegance. The WSSA0061 is not just another variant in the catalogue; it is proof that timeless design can still evolve and remain relevant in the modern world.

 In mint unworn condition.

Dial & hands flawless.