A Week On The Wrist: The Cartier Santos

The word "iconic" might be the most overused adjective in watches. And following closely behind it in the hackneyed department is the story that begins something like, "Iconic is an overused word, but so-and-so's vaunted such-and-such is a true icon that stands up to naysayers and deserves the title." I've definitely written that before (sorry), but I'm going to spare you the tedium today. The Cartier Santos is one hell of a watch and its design integrity, build quality, and thoughtfulness speak for themselves. No "iconic" required.
When we first saw that Cartier would be relaunching the Santos collection at SIHH 2018, we'll admit we weren't out-of-our-minds excited. The Santos always seemed like a fine watch to us, but not a watch worth a raised pulse. However, every day is a school day, and sitting down to look at the new collection that first morning of the show, we realized that this go-around the Santos was something different. It is now something truly lust-worthy and we needed to spend some time with one of these watches ASAP. Luckily the kind people at Cartier North America decided to oblige our appeal and Managing Editor Stephen Pulvirent was able to wear a Santos around New York City for a week ahead of its launch in San Francisco earlier this month. Here are his thoughts.

[@Spectrumpicture]

Im a watch repairman and i go through 50 or so watches a week. A customer brought in an earlier version of this watch to be sized and i was amazed. You really have to hold it to see its perfection. This is my "goal" watch.

[@michir6279]

isnt it only like 6k?

[@motoride2129]

Cartier Santos for sale in instagram in small price ; mogador watch

[@jaskey]

@@michir6279 Everyone walks a different path. For you 6k might be just 6k. For others 6k is putting themselves way before their loved ones. Not saying one's right or wrong, but just because it's easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for everyone else.

[@summerrr1]

6k is a lot for a steel watch regardless of financial circumstances

[@MagnumBTS]

So glad to read this!

[@martinkolberg6765]

I'd wear it every day week in week out, absolutely one off he most classy time pieces ever.

[@couragefox]

Im considering it. What are the scratches like? Do they look bad after a while?

[@motoride2129]

Cartier Santos for sale in instagram in small price ; mogador watch

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

@@couragefox easy to fix with a Cape cod cloth

[@davidyule1973]

@@couragefox Guesd like any watch would depend how you wear it. I have worn for two weeks straight and no scratches. Any watch with a polished steel bezel will acquire scratches more easily, but these are surface scratches. Plus in principle because of the nature of the bezel construction this can be replaced and also polished at service so should not get that bad.

[@tenbear5]

Agreed.

[@katshoulders4576]

I’m not going to admit how many times I’ve watched this video. Thanks guys!

[@chrisdavis9063]

The difference in the comments between here and Hodinkee is night and day. I, for one, love this watch. Looks like Cartier did everything right with this release.

[@justinnicklas4712]

This is one of the most iconic timepieces in history

[@shashihnt]

The simplicity of this watch is just mind blowing. How can something so simple can be so beautiful ?

[@sunnyh7175]

This is a great review. I have a thirty year old Santos handed down from my father, my mom has a matching one :) So pleased with the timeless design.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Love the Santos! Was looking after the right reference for a while but I think I found my spot with this exact 2018 Santos w/o date. Thanks for showing this beauty!

[@brackpersian]

I have watched this video Everyday for the past 4 months. Should I purchase this beauty? :(

[@ilyashevchenko8819]

Do it!!

[@nutsbutdum]

Definitely buy it if you have the money. This is the kind of watch that you can give away to your son. The design is timeless.

[@thomasburr9244]

Go for it. Get the medium. Im 6,3 250 i have a large 2 tone. Becuase my size but its too large for most of my normal sized friends lol. Only Cartier i indulged in. I love it.

[@danielvilla4097]

Get it!!!

[@vatravlahilor492]

Do it

[@iabdalsh]

This is What i call perfection on so many grounds , a must have for sure!

[@UDPride]

The Santos is one of the 5-10 most iconic watch designs of all time. Its timeless just like the JLC Reverso, Speedmaster Professional, Oyster 39, and a few others. Its why you dont mess with perfection. This watch can do it all. Casual at home or totally rocking it with a suit and tie.

[@StatementPlus]

All I have to say is, as a male, thank you so much you using the medium and not the large in this video. Almos impossible to find a male wearing the medium, everyone goes for the large which I find too,....large.

[@ati1903]

SBPilot54 the medium looks much classy 👍🏼

[@matthiasheuberger952]

Yeah I think the width of the large is just too much.

[@free5sole]

Both look good. I have to say though that I personally thought the medium looked too small and dainty on the wrist. That's just my personal opinion obviously. I thought the large, with its curved lugs actually fit very well on the wrist.

[@edipisreks5535]

My mother has the medium. She is 5'3" and about 100 pounds and is 76 years old. I am 6 feet tall, and about twice that weight wise, and I ALMOST got the medium. I am glad I got the large.

[@motoride2129]

Cartier Santos for sale in instagram in small price ; mogador watch

[@jntroisi]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful review.

[@TwentyOne_Five]

As a person who’s watched hundreds of KZbin watch videos I can say there is a heavy bias in the comments to sporty or tool watches and also to the handful of big brands. You hear a lot of comments like “that’s too flashy” or “you’d be nuts to pay that much”. Guys, if you feel this way these watches aren’t made for you. You don’t wear a suit, you are under 35, and/or you are not in your peak earning years etc. Go knock yourself out with your Rolex sports models that your friends won’t find odd and don’t come too unravelled in the comments. Great vid. Makes me want to get one!

[@davidlacour4815]

TwentyOne Five well put my man it also seems as though many men lack conviction with regards to their own masculinity that they would call this design feminine

[@popsgewd5640]

TwentyOne Five idk what comments you’re reading lol. You don’t really see comments like that aside from the ones that say many watches are overpriced which is absolutely true. If you think paying tens of thousands for a SS AP is worth it’s face value then you’re wrong. It’s overpriced and valued that much bc of branding and marketing

[@bighands69]

@@popsgewd5640 If you can afford it then it is not overpriced. It is like saying than Bill Gates $100 haircut is overpriced.

[@Svenskadoktorn]

@@bighands69 Bill Gates 100$ haircut is obviously overpriced.

[@i.o.3563]

@@popsgewd5640 well, some years ago I found Rolex to be way overpriced. Until you try to sell some other luxury watch. Yes, you pay a lot for Daytona, but you get your money back when selling it. It doesn't happen with most brands. So yeah, you pay more than $50K for stainless steel Patek, but you'll get it back selling, so what's the problem? If you buy Santos Skeleton at retail price, how much you'd get selling it? Fraction of that price.

[@MacDeece]

I'm 17 and have become obsessed with this watch having only seen it for the first time about an hour ago in another video. Something about the robust, somewhat industrial look is so appealing, and little things like the screws not being perfectly facing the same way and the gem on the crown add so much character and charm to it. I've only become interested in watches recently but am already planning to buy myself this watch for my 30th or 40th birthday when I have (hopefully) a good job and the money to spend.

[@DanA-st2ed]

try and save $10 a week for a few years and grab a used one

[@soufiverite9355]

You better forget about this Hobby in your age

[@alfredodulli8098]

@@soufiverite9355 it is a reason to hustle you loser hahahaha

[@borjastick]

Work hard, get on with things and you'll find that this watch comes to you much earlier than you thought it would. Good luck.

[@pedrovargas2181]

Go right ahead, buddy. Later you will have most likely changed your mind, but chasing money is the best goal a young man can give himself.

[@TheSuaveEntrepreneur]

This is one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen. The best two-tone watch in my humble opinion.

[@aleksandrwolfe9271]

I have the same watch, and I LOVE IT!!! Great video. 👍👌

[@JedSprague]

Great review. Loving the look of this watch! Very sporty on the bracelet

[@mikecipher6866]

It's such a beautiful watch, yet so underrated

[@darylwardsnyder4406]

Received my new Cartier Santos (large model w/date) today. The bracelet has been described as Rolex & Audemars Piguet quality. I heartily agree. It’s substantive. The fit and finish on this timepiece can only be described as “haute joaillerie”. It’s fluid and elegant. The 2020 version has an upgraded deployment buckle with a spring loaded quick release built into it. The leather strap is now custom fitted at the “C” end of the buckle. It’s finished with a built in quick release spring bar. It’s a much more tailored approach than having to pull the strap under the buckle on both sides. Listening to the MC 1847 movement, while I wound it, revealed a quality resonance. This in house 23 jewel movement is much improved over the ETA 2894 in my Cartier Roadster. Though power reserve remains at 42 hours. Cartier goes high tech by using a QR Code allowing its customer to quickly scan and register the watch for its eight year warranty. Yes, 8 Years!

[@Pinerocks]

My favorite watch of all time...I’m saving up!!

[@jc4373]

Great review. My wrist is 7.25 inches and I bought the santos large. I usually wear a Rolex date just 41 or the cartier roadster. But the santos large was to bulky and somehow didn’t feel like cartier. So I traded it in for the santos medium you reviewed. The medium is classic and iconic. I love it. I don’t mind the micro scratches on the bezel. It makes the watch look even better since it is a version of the first santos created in 1904. And was really the first man’s wrist watch offered To the public in 1911. Before that men used pocket watches. I think a santos medium should be in everyone’s watch collection even if that collection contains only 1 watch. This one.

[@KTK44]

The large might to some just be better. The large fit is underrated. It isn't a problem that it looks big, big isn't always bad. Look at Jake Gyllenhaal, he's their ambassador and he rocks the large version with brilliance despite not having huge wrists. It's just a matter of taste and how you wear it. He even wears it lose, to really give off that it is more than just a classic elegant dress watch, but can also easily be used in day to day. Your history story is always a nice tail. There's something unique about a watch with that kind of history.

[@jc4373]

@@KTK44 I actually like large watches. I have a huge cartier roadster XL that I wear ( I also wear it lose ). But for me the santos large was just to large for a classic santos. But I agree with you. At the end of the day watches are all personal taste. I traded my 38mm datejust rolex in for the 41mm datejust after rolex came out with that new larger size. They still make a 37mm version for people who like that classic size. It’s all personal taste .

[@insideactionplayer]

Santoz is a beauty my dad had one, love it.

[@andremuniz6623]

This. This will be my watch some day.

[@janellmckenziewollek2645]

Thanks for the history. I am a big fan of the Santos

[@chengjinn8816]

Saving up for my next watch 😍😍

[@ralphwilliams8083]

I'm getting a great education on this very important timepiece and have it on my grail watch purchase list. Thanks! ⌚

[@Omil7750]

Had the Santos back in the day. Beautiful piece. This new version is very nice, size M is perfect. New bezel adds characters to the watch..!!

[@timothypoulter8285]

I bought the previous Santos, 20 years ago, if you blink hard to see the slight differences, the most obvious thing on the new version is the ommison of the date window. Overall, I have to say this has been the best purchase I've ever made, always feels classy and seems to stand out whether wearing a business suit or casual clothes. You'll also get alot of comments as this watch is noticable for its understatement rather than its flashness. To any doubters don't hesitate to buy, a great investment which will last and look good for a lifetime, but a great investment which says more about you and your taste than any top of the range car or designer outfit.

[@TheSuaveEntrepreneur]

100%. And an investment that lasts as long as you do (if not longer).

[@extremeuzer3]

That sweeping second hand is just so mesmerizing

[@tiffer67]

I have owned this watch for 18 years & it has given me great pleasure in that time. The design is timeless, a thing of great beauty & style. Now it is time to sell & move on to something different.....

[@glenn.coco.realestate]

Did you sell it? I buy it 🤗

[@jasonedwardblood]

I just bought the large in rose gold very excited to get it next week.

[@carloroca1531]

Love the watch! I can't believe more luxury watch manufacturers haven't adapted the quick swap bracelet and smart link bracelet. It would make every brand that much more desirable/marketable especially in this smart watch day and age.

[@walkerb1734]

Just bought the medium and LOVE it. I can see this piece causing the other watches in my collection to go back into the safe. And that says a lot considering I own pieces from Rolex, Omega, JLC, PP, AP, and ALS. It’s just THAT good!

[@tylerevans2261]

cant agree more theres just an aura of utility, veritility, and elegance to its that just drasws my attention over most all in my collection

[@auddemars]

What are your thoughts after 2 years

[@walkerb1734]

@@auddemars 2 years later and I still feel the same about my Cartier. Sure, it has a few more battle scars (which will happen on ANY watch). But I love it as much today as I did when I first got it. Can’t recommend it enough!

[@walkerb1734]

@@auddemarsI love it even more! Still my daily wear. Is it showing some wear?….sure. But I don’t care. I just get so much pleasure looking down and seeing it on my wrist. Still can’t recommend it enough

[@MagnumBTS]

I bought the santos a few days ago. I never liked it, but a year ago when i found out it’s history everything changed.

[@NickJamesonASMR]

Santos is a must have

[@LJ-wo1wf]

I had no idea about its quick-change system (and easy-to-adjust bracelet). This watch just got cooler. I'll add it to my to-try-on list.

[@WhichOrThat]

I received this watch in quartz as a gift in the early 1990’s. It’s been on my wrist since, except sometimes I wear a Casio diver in the ocean. I have worn this watch in the shower, pool, hot tub and ocean (not diving) without issue. Battery lasts about 4 years. About 10 years ago I started changing the battery myself (Cartier charged $55 for battery). It’s a great watch to wear with a suit or long sleeve dress shirt.

[@himamamo]

I have ıt since the same period , mine is automatic manual no battery The best ever

[@iwk-world]

I got the stainless steel combined with the 585 and I loveit. It was my dream since I was in my early 20ies.

[@menaseven9093]

beautiful museum piece.

[@freddyrequena4021]

I love this watch.

[@chendavid3806]

it's really a good one, tks for the review. Quickswitch is cool, but does that mean it only take OEM straps with corresponding mechanism?

[@lifestyle4dividends776]

Great review!!!

[@cynthiahe7417]

Can someone tell me the Precision of this watch? cant find it in internet... TY!

[@iAPX432]

I wear a Galbée Or et Acier as part of my rotation, as an everyday's watch: it's more solid than many people think, I absolutely love the small size that makes me forget about it until I look at it. It's not easy to wear at first, due to its iconic design that put it totally appart in a category by itself, its small size, its materials, but I find its rebellious these days to wear one! (in my Corporate environment there is the game of big watches, from wannabe's Fossil up to the Daytona) PS: this watch will go to one of my nephew that appreciate watches (the later the better ;) ), it is totally timeless in any way.

[@leonardo5051]

Loved it!

[@magicmike7066]

Ad or not... regardless it’s a beautiful watch!

[@bobbydazzler1780]

The large rose gold looks exquisite

[@pn558]

Stunning dial!

[@pandabelepotan]

I have just let myself love watches and rolex....yes still the leader (CMIIW). However, I like something that is not worn by most people (CMIIW again). I don't see many people wear this in Jakarta. In my perspective, this watch is discreet luxury and when you buy the Santos, you buy a fine watch and fine jewelry at the same time. At the moment, I am saving up for this and cannot wait until 1 day to have this on my wrist. I like the concept of smartlink and the provided spare leather strap. Yes, you won't see the inside of the machine but I think it is still very nice to wear.

[@marcseyes1665]

I actually have this watch, but i never knew the big history behind this timepiece

[@Braderz-lh1wu]

My grandad has the 1950 santos watch and im getting the 2018 Santos watch for my birthday 🤩🤩

[@MoniqueSinha]

Beautiful watch! Cartier designs the best watches

[@teamhonn]

Is it a new watch? There are scratches all over it already. What will it look like after a year? Is there a micro adjustment on the band? It looks like the only adjustment is by taking out the links or adding more links.

[@MuffinMario-nv8rq]

Literally everyone after this vid: aight imma buy a santos

[@miketaylor7678]

Stephen, did you say Wabi Sabi? Excellent choice of words!

[@8thWeekday]

Wow I want this watch so badly

[@jamesshives5679]

8thWeekday Me too, honestly surprised at the amount of hate it is getting here, because I love it... price is, well, a bit much for me, but if I could afford it, I'd totally buy it

[@u.u.upatreonrequests8679]

The greatest watch bracelet of all time next to the Ebel 1911 bracelet.

[@sallymonaeh]

What is the width of the bracelet and how much does it taper?

[@jimflynn5105]

I tried the medium at a jeweller’s and it is lovely. I actually ended up buying the large as I got it at a good price. I can happily wear either so it wasn’t a difficult decision over the size. I look at it directly on the wrist and it seems large but when I see it in the mirror it seems to shrink so I think it is more a matter of perspective. Mine is a 2018 model that came unworn and fully stickered up and I immediately registered it with Cartier to get the free extended warranty. The strap sizing system is truly impressive requiring nothing more than a finger nail. Awesome! Finishing is very impressive and you really need to take a look at the dial with a loupe to see how crisp and clean the printing is. I love the little hidden Cartier print in the seven. Wonderful history behind the Santos line and it is probably the most elegant pilot/sports watch ever made.

[@mikemush9741]

Thanks for such an excellent review Stephen. You guys (and gals) over at Hodinkee know how to make first class videos. This is a brand that was never on my radar until I watched this review. But after watching this and doing some research, this is definitely now high on my list. It's refreshingly cool to see a non-circular watch. There's just something about it that is so unique and cool. Also, I never really like Roman numerals, but I love them on this watch. Does anyone have a feel for what kind of a discount you can get on these new? How do they do on the used market?

[@TheSuaveEntrepreneur]

The santos holds its value incredibly well on the secondary market. Even more so for the two tone option.

[@punjabitechnicaltrader8272]

Love this watch

[@anamerypindaynino7506]

Excelente presentación 👍👌

[@echospage]

Love it.

[@abhishetty2637]

I like these more than the royal olk and a nautlius

[@zemljaman]

Absolute class

[@davidberdugo8203]

Are you gonna bring back Friday Lives? I really liked having this weekly video to start off my weekend properly.

[@thepirate3036]

Does anybody know what is the difference between the Ref WSSA0010 shown in the video and the latest model Ref WSSA0029?

[@witoldwojtowicz3475]

It's beautiful.

[@TheSandipDev]

How can the watch be 30 something mm across and 41 mm side to side? The hypotenuse is always the largest side. What points are you measuring?

[@Wvk5zc]

can you change to custom straps on this?

[@paulr.5868]

ELEGANT!

[@kevinwong5096]

Hey buddy, I am thinking to buy one but have no idea which size I should take. My wrist is quite slim only 15.5cm circumference. Any advise on medium or large size ?

[@jiebenz9548]

get the Medium, exactly the same on this video review.

[@alecc4006]

Love the fact you switched the misaligned screw as just wabi sabi

[@scotty88lp]

Tried this on yesterday and it was real hard not walking out with it in the medium size

[@francescoguidi8830]

what is the complete name and reference of the model in the video ?

[@bobmemer9062]

how versatile is this watch? and how secure is the clasp?

[@Alex_Fung]

Did you find the 35mm to small?

[@Anteroization]

been saving for one, is going to be certified "pre owned" way too expensive new !

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Cartier should make a Santos in all ceramic: case, bezel and bracelet. That would be epic.

[@sebastienc2846]

Hello, what about the size on a 7 inches wrist?

[@user-wq3yt8bh9c]

How long it is? What's length?

[@NbgdStyler63]

6000, thank you :D

[@fabfour289]

Cartier, pls produce the "ML" size, 38.1 x 45.5 mm and 20mm lug width. No date is fine if its window disrupts the symmetry. Thanks for the vid, man.

[@user-ut7ti8eg8x]

I love this watch! not white, very bright silver i think

[@Fjalll]

I've secretly always wanted the Santos. It's worn best casually IMO

[@iAPX432]

You are totally right, I wear jeans, Fred Perry or Ben Sherman's polos, and naturally a MA-1 bombers. My Galbée complete it perfectly, even in Or et Acier this watch is still an action watch!

[@andersbrivik2195]

Is the crown screw down?

[@jorgem.t3297]

Hi, nice video! Should I ask today for any disccount at my AD?🤔

[@lostandconfusedsoul4457]

Plz help...confused between this watch and hublot classic black alligator leather .... what should I buy???

[@jiebenz9548]

Get this specific model! Hublots depreciate fast and huge? ✌️👍

[@rayleeaustralia]

Best Cartier watch in my opinion. I've the older version that is less countoured

[@israelquispemorales578]

Amazing

[@joylove2755]

What is the average price for the cartier Santos?

[@janssinreiko4875]

what is the difference between ref WSSA0010 & WSSA0029?

[@JW-zx8pf]

How does this bracelet compare to Rolex 904l Steel?

[@MrGenesisSantos]

my dream watch.

[@DarthJabba504]

If they fully lumed that dial, that would be a massive hit and perfect sports watch.

[@ryeellz9967]

What a beauty

[@Hiluxtaco]

How about doing a 'Week on the Wrist' with the black or white dial 39mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual?

[@igaololo6267]

Does it worth 7k?

[@darr0en]

didn't knew until no cartier used in house movements on their watches, cool