The First Pilot Watch - Santos de Cartier Large

#nevercopyalwayscreate
This is my review of the original sport's watch, the Santos de Cartier. An historically rich design produced by a respected maker blending the linear and circular in a powerful way. I love everything about it.
My AD recommendation: Royal Jewelers in Andover MA (8 year warranty)
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Stock footage by videvo.net

[@almcl9391]

Cartier are not in denial. They know we love to admire our watches. They are part jewelry in reality, as much as many try to deny. It's not a problem. They came up with most great watch designs, if we care to look back, then see how they are mimicked later

[@BruceWilliams]

I need to pin this. Spot on

[@boldaslion281]

I am have a hard time deciding between this and the two tone Omega Aqua Terra. After having both in the flesh. Which do you prefer?

[@BruceWilliams]

@@boldaslion281 I prefer this overall to the AT. It is more elegant and I like the design more. The AT is more versatile and I like the time zone feature more

[@boldaslion281]

@@BruceWilliams Thanks a lot. I trust your opinion. I am going to save for a Cartier with the extra strap. I bought the Breitling Superocean after your review. The black version is a killer. Keep up the great work and congrats on your growing family.

[@efffren]

One of the most iconic pieces from Cartier, a classic design full of personality in a solid construction, you have made a great invest. Congratulations!

[@ahmed.dhaheri]

This watch is a stunner and I've been looking for a while. Thank you for the very nice video

[@DKBoerner]

This KZbinr really makes you feel his passion and that is what makes him unique. I love seeing his videos because of that. Great concept, great person!

[@BruceWilliams]

Really kind of you to say, thank you

[@rohanjangam511]

I was JUST watching your Santos 100 XL video and this was recommended to me next. Wow. Absolutely love this watch

[@mdo5121]

Perfect dimensions ....a stunner. I tried one on. Loved it. Have been loving the squared dials these days

[@craigdlazarus]

The 2 tone is standout. Lovely piece. A classic. Thx Bruce. Keep 'em coming!!

[@MistaRhoi]

I am in absolute love with my Santos de Cartier Medium. The most comfortable watch I've ever worn. And you're right, the bracelet (and the leather strap + deployant) helped push me over the edge to get it. Cartier is just in a class of their own in my opinion.

[@joepetrino5768]

There's some crazy kinda old school magic to this brand! Very appealing.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Great video, Bruce thank you. Never was much of a fan of the Santos, but here's a prime example how tastes change. Couple nice touches of many: the polished chamfer along case and lugs, and the frosted texture of the date wheel. Masculine and elegant. I love the VC Overseas more, but this watch is awesome.

[@GS_Superman]

I must admit, I’m also becoming a two-tone fan and works really well on that Santos. Two-tones are making a comeback!

[@henrikfrisner8487]

Just came home from my AD with the grey dial version, to find this video to accompany my enjoyment. I initially thought I was going to get the blue dial version, but landed on the grey dial one with ADLC around the glass, and I can strongly recommend others to consider that one. It is far less prone to scratches, which I don’t think builds any positive character for this watch, and besides the awesome steel bracelet, this one also comes with an anthracite colored rubber strap of similar design, which makes it look really badass if you are in that mood 😊

[@doctormstein1]

Love this Two toned large Santo. Been looking for months at it and I finally purchased one. Little Switzerland is a dealer that is selling one for $9799.00 if there is no financing. You also get an extended 8-year warranty from Cartier. Had a really good experience with them.

[@silverlakeas]

The Santos & Tank are the must have Cartier’s to own. Both iconic & beautiful designs. And the Santos for me is one of the essential two tone watches to own.

[@TheSandipDev]

Love this watch. I really like non round watches and the VC American 1921 is my non round grail. And Bruce, thank you for reviewing a wide variety of watches. Really like that about your channel.

[@kraftyw1999]

I would LOVE to see an overview/review of the Cartier Tank Louis and Tank Solo. Fantastic content, please keep up the good work!

[@romanopeterj]

Bruce that is a stunner, I absolutely love this watch, the history, fit, the fact it comes in a few different sizes. I kind of obsess over scratches although I know that adds to the character and story of a watch. I am intrigued by the Grey dial with the ADLC coating on the bezel which would make me more comfortable regarding scratches.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

That's gorgeous, and I usually hate 2-tone watches since they tend to look extremely tacky. I would buy this before pretty much any Rolex model.

[@badazzcanbe]

1st off the intro was HOOOOOOT! Secondly I want the same exact (Cartier) configuration! You have great (expensive) taste.

[@shaunhuxley3275]

This things been living rent free in my head for a year.

[@andrewbrown5636]

Stunning watch! Just looked at these this weekend again and fell in love with the new grey dial version. Was put off the blue previously because of the polished markers. Just deciding which watch to flip to get this

[@SirMopy]

Had to rewatch this video again… such a great watch!!!!

[@D-CFI]

Oh-fantastic review...as always Bruce.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you Dave

[@jeffreybialowas4637]

Great review Bruce, I have many blue face timepieces, so I am stuck between the white 2 tone large & the grey dial DLC bezel with Bracelet and the rubber strap. White dials don’t usually get me but the 2 tone and all stainless large santos is a stunner, ty Jeff.

[@matthewmccord99]

I have no problem with two tones. Looks great. Looks distinguished.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Great video as always Bruce. Love that Santos.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you Blueshirt!

[@mikehayes3014]

I don’t know why this watch isn’t a lot more popular... it’s actually really really nice!

[@wolper2155]

Mike. I think the reason was the Image of a Fake Watch in the 80 and 90. But a stunning Watch. It is also on my wish list. Greetings from Germany

[@markplayford5836]

Fantastic Bruce, just recently I have really started to love Cartier more and more. Might be a quartz tank for me but if some spare cash came available it would be a consideration. Perhaps not bi-metal as I already have a dress piece like that. Really nice, exceptional in fact. 👌

[@muntublackson4757]

this video haunts my watch collection dreams! would never have considered the two tone if it wasnt for this

[@dougjamieson2001]

Wow funny timing, I’ve been looking at this watch online everyday for the last week or so

[@aldarsierra]

Great review of the santos! How about reviewing the tank next. I would have a hard time deciding which of the two to get.

[@thechancellor842]

I have this watch and love it! The only thing I wish it had is a exhibition case back.

[@BobLorrimer]

Good well balanced review with clear imagery- I’m sold on the Santos , the curved sapphire crystal, the face, the versatility of the bracelet. Pity it is not released in two tone Rose Gold. The Rose Gold is just too far - maybe next year!

[@jasonevans2170]

Hi Bruce Great review as usual. I’ve been thinking of buying a Tank Louis so it would be great if you could do a review! All the best

[@seeker7679]

Never been a fan of Cartier or two-tone but that is a gorgeous watch.

[@soxxel12]

So odd I'm only seeing this video now. YoureTerrific and Hodinkee's respective videos gave me the necessary push to try this on in person and it just so happened to be at Royal Jewelers. They were the only local AD with both sizes in stock, then 2 weeks later I made the leap and got the medium in SS. I can't recommend Gil and Bill more highly they're two gentlemen who really know and enjoy chatting about watches. They do a lot of business with out of state customers so don't hesitate if your in the market for Cartier, Grand Seiko, Tudor, Panerai, Breitling, Tag Heuer, or Breguet.

[@patrickelrafih]

Bruce can you please get your hands on one of the newer ADLC steel/black two tone versions?! I was at an AD the other day and got to try it on.... oh boy I think I am in love! Love the fact that you get everything you do in the classic variation BUT with the added bonus imo of having a virtually scratch proof bezel. Would love to see and hear your take on the piece! Thanks again.. im loving the content and macros!

[@walkerb1734]

I agree with you Bruce! Between the two (Santos & Overseas) I’d pick the Cartier. It’s just THAT good!

[@Ohmie]

I’ve been waiting for your review of this to help hold me over until the arrival of my blue dial Santos.

[@BruceWilliams]

Fingers crossed that it is soon!

[@joepetrino5768]

While talking to a rep from the Cartier store in Chicago she mentioned that the brand was starting to ramp up the supply of the blue dial version again.

[@Ohmie]

@@joepetrino5768 thanks for the heads-up! I actually decided to go with the white dial. I felt it would be more versatile with my wardrobe, and per YoureTerrific’s review of the blue dial, I had growing concerns about the legibility of the indices against the blue dial.

[@runrin_]

i am falling in love with cartier. youreterrific's video about the CPCP tortue was the first spark.

[@kahmed7328]

IMO Santos is more special than the Overseas. Has tons of character.

[@BruceWilliams]

I would have to agree with you

[@WatchMeEDC]

I would have to disagree and say the history of the Santos allows it to possibly have more character (case shape, first men’s wrist watch, first pilots watch, industrial design masterpiece, etc) but it is not more “special” than the Overseas (especially the blue face model). Based on price, amount produced, version/styles made, different sizes made, closeness to the Dumont version, number of Cartier stores it is sold in and lastly overall quality of finishing compared to the VC. All that said, it is one of my top two watches to get next.

[@jamespalsson746]

Easy now

[@joepetrino5768]

Unique! Doesn't look like any other watch.

[@goldenarm009]

@@BruceWilliams The signs were there, we should’ve known. Will this be the next piece? I think it should be!

[@ericn2140]

I bought a white Santos Large two weeks ago. Amazing watch!

[@Wevaah]

I always viewed this watch as the "Elton John" watch because the first time I saw it was when he wore a gold Santos in the I'm Still Standing music video and also wrote a song about Cartier (the songs name is Cartier). With that I've always wanted a medium version but can never decide if I'd want to go TT or SS. I plan on buying a Black Bay, probably a 58 this year then buy a Santos as my next purchase and it can be a perfect 2 watch collection. Great video Bruce!

[@BruceWilliams]

Now I need to go look up that song lol

[@bach1750]

It's clear to me when seeing the Santos next to the Hulk, that the Santos blends masculinity and elegance perfectly. I love the Hulk, but it looks like a brute next to the Santos.

[@BruceWilliams]

100 percent!

[@am40586]

Great video! Debating hard between the Santos and the Blue Omega Globemaster for my next purchase. The only thing making me reconsider Cartier is the movement, which I find bang average for the price point...and when comparing the monster offering that is Omegas METAS movements

[@turnerherbert6511]

Best two-tone reference by any manufacturer, at any price.

[@mattshafran1415]

Review the Cartier Tank Americaine steel large! Please! Not enough reviews on them and I think that’s my next one. Santos is a great piece. I went with the blue dial and got my wife the medium white dial...she now wishes we got the two tone for her. Very versatile watch. Elegant. Classy. Sporty. Can’t go wrong...oh and they are available to buy at AD/boutique

[@errolmacdonald3256]

The high polish on that chamfer is gorgeous.

[@billcore6295]

Good video....under appreciated watch

[@playboypaul1]

Great watch and great video

[@WatchMeEDC]

Love this watch (medium, no-date, in stainless) Good review but I just can’t get into the two-tone with the yellow gold. But oh man the all rose gold model with full rose gold bracelet... wow is that gorgeous! 🥰😍😘

[@marcosjivest988]

Love the watch. Always have been a big fan of the Santos line. I want to buy one but I’m holding out in hopes they reintroduce the Roadster line with the new Manufacture Cartier 1847 movement. I had the Vegas dial variant of the Roadster but sold it many years back.

[@thechancellor842]

I have this watch and love it!!

[@kostasp1137]

Contrats! It’s a stunner

[@garyggarner7738]

I Love This Watch!! It’s Gorgeous!! I want one!!

[@drkesrf]

I own the medium steel. My favorite watch. The two tone also looks great even for men.

[@jasondaniels6110]

Great looking watch and I have been thinking about one but the only negative i see is it could be a scratch magnet with all of the super flat surfaces.

[@charjanto1996]

Nice review Bruce. Nice insight for a person that already own VC Overseas. Me on the other hand already own Medium SS Santos and I am thinking to get Blue Overseas 37mm. After seeing them side by side I might just keep my Santos and keep saving up for my next big purchase 😂

[@BruceWilliams]

Its kinda hard for me to say since I own the VC. But the Cartier feels just as special if not more so

[@davidmccammon1766]

Really beautiful watch

[@obud3777]

Simply Lovely!

[@CraigG21]

Beautiful watch! Not sure I like the yellow gold, but perhaps a steel variant or perhaps one with the black ADLC bezel & spine coating.

[@9er..]

Killer intro man!!

[@D-CFI]

It’s a GREAT watch-I have the “Large” with ADLC bezel-I really enjoy it!

[@isaacc154]

I have the same one, just bought it this Saturday . I still don’t know if I like more in the steel or rubber bracelet .,

[@D-CFI]

@@isaacc154 Congrats-I added an OEM leather strap…I figured I was deep enough in it so another few hundred dollars would be worth it. It looks great on all 3…so now I have a three way dilemma 😵‍💫.

[@chazfromtheburg]

What a beauty! Congrats BW!

[@pauldharwar1336]

I love this watch. As a keen Rolex collector (have collected 6 over 20 years) this is the watch that I would add to my collection which is non Rolex. It is beautiful with history and class and robust. It’s 100m water resistance but would you swim with it since no screw down crown??

[@GregJ1]

Very nice; Hulk (sport), VC (versatile in blue), and Santos (luxury), keep them all but I'd get the all steel Santos so you can also wear with a black leather strap, add a Speedmaster or Explorer I with brown strap and a few natos and it's a perfect collection...but I know you don't hold them long.

[@estebanceballos1908]

Hello Bruce... what do you think in the Cartier Santos Chrono Xl size with the rubber strap!! You should do a review in that piece!!! Is awesome

[@TheTownWatch]

Man, I love the Santos!!! Definitely want to get one!

[@joepetrino5768]

The thing most unique about the Santos is the fit. The gently curved case lays flat on the wrist. You can't see underneath it. Then the lugs and bracelet are curved down to lay flat on the curve of your wrist. You can't see underneath it! So both case and bracelet wrap around your wrist with no gaps. And the case thickness of the large is just over 9mm! No matter how comfortable my other watches are non of them come close to the fit of the Santos.

[@chrisfogarty9775]

Hi bruce great video. wow now youve got me looking at these beautiful watches would it be safe to swim with this model do you think ?

[@Fredrikwatchesandartwork]

Beautiful 🤩

[@theoson10]

Would you go M or L with a size 17cm wrist? 6 13/16ths inches.

[@MohammadAWaly]

I”be had my eye on it since it came out. This and the 2-tone root beer are the only 2-tone watches I have me eyes on

[@stevefox8605]

Probably the ultimate watch, being the first. Very very cool, Love it. Still looks relevant 100+ years later. Would very much like one in the future. Thanks Bruce, really enjoyed this review 👍🏻👍🏻 Edit would love to see you review the Tank Francaise. Cheers.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you Steve, I'll see what I can do

[@stevefox8605]

@@BruceWilliams 🤞🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joepetrino5768]

Hey Bruce. Don't hesitate to buy the large if you like the way it looks on you. I love the idea of the medium size and would have no problem wearing one but I've noticed a trend in the community that feels the medium is the only "worthy" expression of this design. Although I kinda get the thinking as it relates to the history it seems a bit narrow minded to me. This isn't the early 20th century. Cartier offers two sizes with the same proportions so that you can choose whats right for you. Sometimes when everybody says "go right" you have to "go left"

[@craigh.9810]

The real history of the Santos was it's shape, not its size. Everyone wore small watches then.

[@Joe-xo3xy]

what has watch size got to do with early 20th century?

[@wavygoods877]

I got the santos two tone medium and kinda wish I got the large. I like the date is shown in the dial.

[@joepetrino5768]

@@Joe-xo3xy seems like a lot of watch enthusiasts feel that current versions of watches that have been around since the early 20th should stay true to those smaller sizes

[@itskyyuuuu]

It really is a stunner.

[@FREEYSLTHUGGER]

Just picked up a 2007 38 MM for $7000 I love it so much!

[@JamesK1963]

I love the Santos. I want one too... One concern I have is that it looks like a scratch magnet perhaps more than any other watch. Not really sure if that's true or not...

[@SezerKemal]

Less is More! Cartier Santos two tone looks phenomenal 👌🏻

[@viktorgerman7261]

The Santos Large fits your wrist very well, I glad you like it . Do you think that the bracelet (almost ) Rolex Oyster - class good ?

[@tgemz3376]

medium for me. no date and classic size!

[@jharris947]

Me too.. For me the date window really spoils the balance of the Roman numerals. The medium is a better size for my slim wrists and it doesn't have the date window.

[@Ohmie]

Hey Bruce, the Santos also has a soft iron cage, like the Milgauss/Air-King, and Cartier has tested it to 1200 gauss (though it may go higher). Definitely not something Cartier advertises, but Tim Mosso made this known in his video on the Santos.

[@BruceWilliams]

I heard it was a ring similar to the way the Overseas does it. regardless its is excellent, they should include that as a marketing point!

[@petemorbius3936]

gorgeous

[@Robertking1996]

It's beautiful

[@stephensamuel4674]

Perfect 3 piece collection would be your DD, this santos and this Overseas

[@alvinomar6]

a real masterpiece.

[@leyay7540]

Cartier is the master of design! I also like it a lot, though in the end I chose a pair of two-tone Santos Dumont to celebrate my marriage.

[@BruceWilliams]

Oh wow, that is really classy. Nicely done!!

[@vforvictor3320]

Very classic looking piece health to wear Sir

[@richardman28]

I have been searching for a santos galbee xl for a year now. I am not a 2 tone guy but this is the only 2 tone I would have. The bracelet is iconic and the watch has history. I prefer the galbee because it is more classic than this new one. This one is a bit too wide for my liking. The galbee is more visually compact. I like the overseas but I dont love it to make me want to purchase it, so if I had the choice it will be the cartier.

[@jacc88888]

I always thought that a Cartier would fill the ‘dress watch gap’ in your collection (that you have mentioned in the past). Even though it’s not strictly a dress watch it’s nevertheless dressy enough for any occasion, especially if on the leather strap: weddings, anniversaries, taking your wife out for dinner etc. Being a sports watch guy who, nevertheless, likes a bit of elegant ‘bling’ I feel this watch suits you down to the ground. Good luck with the decision!

[@BruceWilliams]

I think you are 100 percent spot on

[@user-st8hq1cp6r]

Perfect!

[@canfurkan1951]

Nice Review, amazing Shorts. And an amazing watch! Looks sexy and unique. Maybe you can review more Cartier Sport watches, i think all of them are nice. Can you tell something about the precision of the movement? How many sek +- per day? Thanks!

[@achiltsompanos447]

I dig the solid case back. The date not so much.

[@DarylChangs]

Hey Bruce, great video and shots as always. Congratulations on baby #3. So happy for you! I’ve actually been thinking about the Santos medium a lot and will most likely be my next purchase. Do you think Cartier will change anything at watches and wonders? Should I wait or get it now?

[@BruceWilliams]

I don't think they will be changing the Santos. If anything they would release a limited or special dial variant. I don't see the medium being changed.

[@DarylChangs]

@@BruceWilliams As always thank you for responding. What I appreciate the most is how prompt you’ve always been in taking the time to respond to our comments/questions/feedback no matter how crazy or silly. Not many people do that anymore, so thank you! Adding to my previous question, do you see Cartier bring the date to the medium?

[@kanemillard3315]

i tried this on after trying on a datejust and imo this blew the datejust right out of the water.

[@BruceWilliams]

No comparison!

[@lvbadboy]

This happened to me as well I went in the jeweler thinking the Date Just was going to be the watch but the Santos stood out much more!

[@yc4406]

Hello Bruce, please do a video of cartier calibre rose gold. It's a very beautiful watch! Please let me know what you think:)

[@Panthere.vision]

I personally love this watch but not with White Dial, would love to see black dial straight from factory (2 tone), and the black version pvd is so Fire...

[@daddykool9507]

Cartier Santos or Seiko SNA411 for pilot watch duel! That’s what I like to see

[@BWILLVLOGS]

Nice starter watch I think ima get

[@andreaiacolina]

I am not a big fan of huge roman numbers, so this dial is not for me, but this piece has a lot of history and it looks great on your wrist.

[@bv3652]

How’s the scratch resistance?