Cartier unveil a new addition to two of their classic collections, both of which have been modernised with a black ADLC coating.

Whilst retaining their storied heritage, both the Cartier Santos 100 and the Ballon Bleu de Cartier ranges have been updated with a contemporary flair derived from the amorphous diamond-like carbon coating.

Applied at a temperature of 200 degrees, the black ADLC coating is highly elastic, exceptionally smooth and extremely hard. As it is diamond-like carbon, the cases for these updated Cartier watches are essentially finger-print and scratch proof, adding a robust quality to these elegant timepieces.

Cartier have been utilising this material for several years now, however the new Santos 100 and Ballon Bleu de Cartier suggest that the brand is looking to introduce it some of their more affordable, non-gold watches.

The Santos 100 Carbon has been released as a “large model”, and it will be presented in an ADLC-coated steel case that measures up at 51.1mm x 41.3mm. Meanwhile, in a more reserved offering, the Ballon Bleu will be in the same case materials but a more comfortable 42mm wide.

Legibility is enhanced on the dials with the use of lume-treated sword hands, and the archetypal blue seconds hand has been replaced with a rich red, providing a tasteful contrast to the black of the dial.

Both of these new watches has been equipped with Cartier’s in-house calibre 1847 MC. This impressive automatic movement provides 42 hours of power reserve, as well as a water resistance of 3 bar.

The watches are also presented with a refined calf-skin strap in black, which has been finished with ADLC and steel buckles.