The Mother of all Sports Watches! Review of the Santos de Cartier in Blue WSSA0030 / WSSA0013

We're reviewing the latest iteration of the mother of all sports watches!
Made by Louis Cartier in 1904 for his friend, aviation pioneer Alberto Sanots Dumont, this watch was the first ever men's wrist watch, sports watch and pilot watch, all in one!

[@heejoonpark3683]

I decided to buy this for my 30th birthday after watching this great review. Thank you from Korea.

[@watchcraft]

i like to hear that. congrats on the watch and happy birthday Heejoon!

[@heejoonpark3683]

I wasn't serious about this because I thought this would not fit my 16cm wrist (same as yours). But I tried it after watching this and found it was perfect on me.

[@heejoonpark3683]

Thanks!

[@jarnbjorn4522]

wow good for you man, i'm also interested in buying one of these myself.

[@heejoonpark3683]

@@jarnbjorn4522 good luck man, I hope you will find good one.

[@LlyleHunter]

I consider the Santos to be the perfect travel watch in that you can wear it on your flight, wear it by the hotel pool and swim with it, and wear it under a French cuffed shirt in a tuxedo for formal events the same evening. It’s the only watch you need on a trip.

[@watchcraft]

second time zone would be nice though

[@rafaeloliva6425]

I own the 2 tone and the ability to switch straps makes it very versatile. I know it rated for 100m , but I am leery to swim with it. I wish it had a screw down crown.

[@bruzzie999]

Saw this watch in person today. What a stunner!

[@d-money_smoove]

The face size I love because its more of a new school but the design is matching the classic flavor of timeless design. I love this piece man. My favorite watch on the planet right now.

[@lrdrod6789]

Ive been contemplating for months wether i should buy this watch or not. Your review has just convinced me to get it. Thank you very much 👍🏾

[@watchcraft]

That's great to hear, I hope you'll enjoy the watch a lot!

[@willsanctuary6626]

Masterpiece and underated.. Next on the list for me 👌 great video

[@watchcraft]

Thank you. Happy you like the video. Make sure you try the watch on before you buy. After a few months of usage, I am not that happy with the bracelet anymore. Not very comfortable in my opinion.

[@desmondoreilly1210]

I'm getting more and more hooked on this watch, your video has only helped. Love the soundtrack and what looks like a Herb Ritz photo album. A very cool presentation for what is undoubtedly a very cool watch.

[@watchcraft]

Thanks a lot Desmond. It's the Sumo book by Helmut Newton

[@CDR7MAID]

I got it last year. Such a beautiful timepiece!!

[@r.m.a990]

It’s a beautiful watch but it is a scratch magnet. What’s your experience on that?

[@whatsup4616]

I almost bought this watch, I hesitated, now I’m longing for it again.

[@shuteng486]

A beautiful timepiece 🤤

[@joepetrino5768]

Your review, along with a couple others, was my main information source while deciding to buy this. The vid is very thorough and helpful. Pulled the trigger just before Xmas and I couldn't be happier. My wrist size is just under 7 inches and it fits perfectly. The large size Santos doesn't get enough love from the community. Many have decided it's not worthy compared to the medium. Ridiculous. The gently curved case design is brilliant and with the integrated bracelet it wraps comfortably around the wrist. It's the most comfortable watch I have! And the dial is gorgeous!

[@watchcraft]

Congratulations to your new watch Joe! I love mine as well and wear it all the time.

[@Farmhouse1967]

Beautiful watch and video.... Well done. Really fancy one myself!!

[@watchcraft]

Thank you, Stuart. It's indeed a beautiful watch.

[@BobLorrimer]

Top level photography and information.

[@watchcraft]

Thanks Bob, appreciate it.

[@libradacastro5248]

Please send me a watch thanks very much I need for work.

[@arkyclown]

Very nice review and also saw this video after having mine from AD in Las Vegas.

[@watchcraft]

congrats! hope you're happy with your new watch

[@vantheman1238]

Beautiful watch

[@olivernam2844]

Beautiful! Even more sporty is the 2020 novelty Santos ADLC (reference WSSA0037) with metal bracelet and rubber strap (you get two watches in one with the super easy Quickswitch-System)

[@watchcraft]

yes I like the WSSA0037

[@wolper2155]

Hi. Great Video, i believe its the next one in my Collection. Greetings from germany

[@watchcraft]

Thank you. And great choice on the watch!

[@danchapman5944]

My favourite watch .....it’s a fabulous buy

[@watchcraft]

a man of taste

[@boris7540]

I love the look. The design is great by itself but the new dial adds even more elegance to it. Santos is a stunning piece and one of the grails. I prefer 35mm case though because I find it more versatile and easier to dress up, also a date window on larger size contrasts a bit with roman numerals imho. Still, magnificent piece, man!

[@rafaeloliva6425]

I disagree the large size is more versatile as it works as a sports/dress watch. The medium is dainty, and screams I'm stuck in the 80s.

[@goonermike6755]

I never paid attention to Cartier until this one,it sits in the wrist perfectly,now I m thinking about this one along with a Omega seamaster two tone yellow gold or a two year old Rolex datejust blue.

[@watchcraft]

I like the Seamaster too. Am currently looking at a Aqua Terra with the blue rubber strap.

[@jrlee1031]

I'm contemplating of getting the white WSSA0009 model. Every collector needs a white dial. Great review. Keep it up.

[@watchcraft]

agreed, I'm looking for a white one too. might go with the Oyster Perpetual

[@rafaeloliva6425]

That would be a great selection. The White dial is so classy and versatile. The 0018 reference is for the updated clasp. But is the same watch otherwise.

[@nyanates]

Ohhh... I like what they did with the interchangeable bracelet. A little large (for me) but this is one smart looking timepiece.

[@watchcraft]

there's a smaller one with the white dial

[@janifs2812]

what is the difference beteween the WSSA0030 and the WSSA0013 - they seem to be identical

[@StaleCookies]

I hope they release this in the mid size. The large unfortunately looks inelegant on my wrist, which is a key factor any buyer of Cartier is seeking imo.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

Are you a chick?

[@jonathanl2748]

The bracelet and link changing system is very smart.

[@test-ky8tu]

Dreammmmm watch

[@jdubs604]

I have really thin and small wrists so none of the round watches look good on me. 😩 This watch, however, looks amazing on my wrist. I got a lot of compliments from people. Make sure you ask for a discount since these aren’t in high demand, they will most likely give you a discount. I got 10% but my gf got 20%. Anyways, make sure you try before you buy. It has to look good on your wrist!

[@agneschai5882]

My wrist is 15cm (female) and it fits. It snugs to the shape of the wrist unlike the rolex which protrudes. The dark blue face plays down the size as compared to the white face. That's why I got it even though I have tiny wrist. Love the watch. Best of all I can share it with my hubby using the hassle free smart switch system. He uses the leather strap while I can switch between both. No regrets.

[@TheHoth1]

Just made the purchase at the Cartier store. They are shipping a brand-new one to their store from the warehouse. If you could remove enough links for your 15 cm wrist, that means I am in the clear then. My wrist is 15.50 cm :) Tiny wrist...:)

[@petemorbius3936]

gorgeous!

[@jt_olakunle]

I think I'm in love...

[@samyboy9767]

👏👏👏

[@mahmoudghoneim8004]

The polished bezel would have looked much sharper in brushed finish to match the bracelet while keeping the polished bevel on the case sides.

[@watchcraft]

and it would solve the problem with the scratches. nice idea. I'm thinking yellow gold brushed

[@aaaddd330]

Hello, what's the lug to lug on this watch? I have the same wrist size as you but i think this watch migt not fit since when i measure my lug to lug on flat wrist, i get 4.3cm from one extremity to the next. Help me out thanks

[@watchcraft]

it's nicely curved, so the lug to lug doesn't really matter since it wraps around your wrist. best try it on though. they have stock in most Cartier stores. there's a smaller version too if you prefer that (only with white dial though)

[@TinBin-Craig]

wow thats one bountiful watch really like it... cheers

[@portos92100]

Hello, great video and one of my favorite watch at the moment. I have a question, do you know what is the difference between Wssa0013 and Wssa0030?

[@watchcraft]

Good question man, I wasn't even aware that there are two dfferent numbers (even used them both in my video without noticing :-D I bought mine in late 2019 as WSSA0013. Now Cartier uses WSSA0030. It's still exactly the same watch though. Same size, material, movement, no difference at all. Pretty confusing move by them to just switch the model number...

[@Nasser84nl]

Watchcraft The change in ref. number is because they now have a different deployant clasp for the leather straps. This was introduced in 2019. Instead of the clasp used for many years with the folding on both sides of the strap and without holes in the strap. Now all the new models (not only the Santos) have this new clasp. The new clasp has push buttons for release and the strap has holes in it. This is why all the ref. numbers are different now.

[@itsricobitch9442]

Wish they have this blue face with the gold bezel version of the watch,tough decision on which to get

[@watchcraft]

i think they will let you buy the gold bezel and put it on the watch for you. Cartier customer service is fantastic

[@kbhimitter6574]

Such a great, versatile piece! I used this as a daily, even took it to the beach lol - bezel definitely got scratched, but that's my fault. Did you find that the luminous hands are not that bright? That's one comment I had that on it, besides that it is perfect! Wear in good health!

[@watchcraft]

thank you. don't worry about the scratches. i got my first scratch on it while showing it to a friend on a dinner table covered with soft white cloth, can you believe it? a thick cloud could scratch the thing. aren't all lumes useless? it looks nice for 5 minutes after you "loaded" it. but after 30 minutes in the dark any lume is pretty much useless. i don't really pay attention to quality of lume anymore.

[@Makta972]

I have one so sick. Mine came with a much better strap though. Blue Alligator leather strap

[@MaxxMilian24]

Wie siehts mit Kratzern aus? Kann man sagen dass diese Uhr anfälliger ist als andere? Finde die Uhr genial. Aber bin jemand der ab und zu mal wo anstosst

[@MaxxMilian24]

Danke noch für das coole Video

[@GUITARFREAKSJF]

Man sieht auf der Lünette die Kratzer relativ schnell. Tut der Uhr aber kein Abbruch, es ist eine Sport Uhr, so schnell passiert da nichts gravierendes.

[@watchcraft]

Ja, wie Joshua sagt, die Lünette ist ein Kratzmagnet. Aber die kannst du bei Cartier polieren oder gar austauschen lassen.

[@nukie404]

Nicely done review! I do agree with the domed sapphire, I own a Cle and it does the exact same thing for photos. Blue dial is quite beautiful, but I hear that it can be a bit difficult to read the numbers at lower lights. How have you found that?

[@watchcraft]

Thanks man. It is definitely harder to read than for example a Rolex. But that's because of the markers and the square shape. The curved sapphire is not a problem at all.

[@nukie404]

Watchcraft Yes I found it similar with regards to curved crystals: though it does reflect a lot of light it doesn't seem to get in your eyes thankfully. Thanks for the reply!

[@rafaeloliva6425]

The White dial solves any legibility issues.

[@churezeanu]

I can see this timepiece coming in 2 reference numbers, WSSA0030 and WSSA0013. Does anyone knows the difference between these 2?

[@zjmustard]

WSSA0013 was superseded by the WSSA0030... the only difference appears to be the closure used on the clasp that comes with the leather strap.

[@churezeanu]

@@zjmustard Thank you for your reply, Indeed, this seems to be the only difference.

[@dibtojyoti10]

Nice review. What is your wrist size for reference?

[@watchcraft]

Thanks. 16 cm

[@mvrdamonxy7942]

Does it have a screw down crown? And can you get a black leather instead of blue?

[@watchcraft]

no screw down but 100m resistant. black strap available and looks fantastic but you have to buy it additionally. the one with the white dial you can chose from the start the color of the strap

[@mvrdamonxy7942]

@@watchcraft thanks for reply.

[@colinallan1962]

Just bought this with the blue dial. They offered me a choice of straps on this as well.

[@PaddyMcMe]

Such an astonishingly beautiful watch. My only complaint about the watch, and something I've noticed in basically every review, bar 2 or 3 at least, is that the mirror polished bezel surrounding the watch face is SO perfectly reflective and pristine in appearance that ANY TINY scratches really show up on it. So I've got a serious question, are there screen protectors for watches? Because this seriously needs one. If I was wearing this and accidentally grazed it whilst walking against something I think my heart would fall out of me.

[@jharris947]

It's a massive scratch magnet. As you said you can see loads of scratches on any of these used watches on the youtube reviews.

[@briankenny6883]

Get the Large Grey - black ADLC bezel -- problem solved.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

A polishing cloth, takes care of most scratches. I bought spare bezels from for $40 on ebay and my watchmaker can swap it out for another bezel for $65 including pressure to testing.

[@PaddyMcMe]

@@briankenny6883 Good advice, I actually ended up getting the Blue PVD version.

[@125pizzaguy]

Looks great. What's your wrist size?

[@watchcraft]

16cm

[@conantonopoulos4361]

Beautiful watch but Id like it at a 35.5mm width ... ie a Medium.

[@watchcraft]

nice too, they do it only in white as a medium though.

[@lenworth11]

Agree ... the medium looks, singularly, the best I've ever seen. Always subjective, but my view !

[@FABM27]

I have the blue dial skyfall AT else this would be my choice too

[@watchcraft]

beautiful Omega!

[@bojohnsson4215]

Nice review, this watch is a stunner! But what is the difference between model WSSA0030 and model WSSA0013 ?

[@watchcraft]

Nasser84nl already answered this for us (I didn't know either): Watchcraft The change in ref. number is because they now have a different deployant clasp for the leather straps. This was introduced in 2019. Instead of the clasp used for many years with the folding on both sides of the strap and without holes in the strap. Now all the new models (not only the Santos) have this new clasp. The new clasp has push buttons for release and the strap has holes in it. This is why all the ref. numbers are different now.

[@savagepapi8071]

Why did you choose this one instead of the white large? Do you wear this one with black outfits and suits?

[@watchcraft]

I think the blue looks more unique. It has applied numerals and lumed hands, which the white one doesn't. Plus there's a chance that they are going to produce the blue only for a limited time, which would improve value retention. And I wear it with pretty much anything, from suits to t-shirts.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

​@@watchcraft No chance this is limited edition watch. You did address that the blue doesn't match a black suit. The white matches everything.

[@johnny5.56]

I'm so sad this isn't in the medium size

[@Panthere.vision]

Can u switch for gold screws?

[@watchcraft]

probably. they even offered me to switch to a different color dial later on. and I can keep the old dial, unlike Rolex where they won't give you your old parts back. Cartier customer service is fantastic!

[@rafaeloliva6425]

​@watchcraft chicken? I don't think good screw on the bezel are an option. I have the 2 tone, which has stainless screws holding down the gold bezel. But does have gold accent screws on the bracelet.

[@dapperlygrungy3189]

What's the dial size? No one ever mentions this. Is it a 44mm? 42mm?

[@mshaf8543]

Because it’s not circular...id is no case diameter. Just dimensions, which, are on the cartier website

[@mshaf8543]

There is *

[@JAPANof2006]

39.5mm

[@shreyatongya6706]

Are they trading above retail???

[@watchcraft]

they trade below retail

[@ibrahimkrasavitv8313]

@@watchcraft hi, how do you think it will hold it’s value ? Will it at some point, go back over it’s retail price...? Thanks in advance.

[@watchcraft]

@@ibrahimkrasavitv8313 don't count on it selling for over retail. unless you factor in inflation. but judging from chrono24 it holds value nicely so far. I could sell mine for 80% of what I paid for retail.

[@ordinary999]

Great video. Im consider this or Panerai pam01313.

[@watchcraft]

Thank you. Both great watches but with a veeery different look.

[@ordinary999]

@@watchcraft yes, i know. Cant get them both right now, but think i will for Panerai. Thanks

[@Lorenzo1972.]

I’m so disappointed in Panerai after they introduced the “Due” series. Can you imagine that Panerai, with their diving heritage, created an entire series of Luminor products that only have 30m water resistance, while the Santos has a full 100m in a 9mm case. Panerai have entirely lost their way.

[@SolidWatcher]

What is your wrist size?

[@watchcraft]

16cm

[@ambc8970]

Spectacularly beautiful. But I don’t like blue dials.prefer black. Unfortunately for me I cannot afford it.

[@watchcraft]

There are lots of great watches for little money. I love Seiko. And my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is the one I wear most in the whole collection. Go look at these.

[@TimeandTalk]

Certainly is a gorgeous watch, and you do an excellent job of showcasing it. Might have to get a Cartier next if I can ever afford another watch! Check out my channel for my watch reviews if you are interested.

[@watchcraft]

thanks a lot

[@guapoovale]

Ish echt e wunderschöns piece.... leider gahts no e ziitli bisis Geld zemme ha defür :(

[@watchcraft]

Geduld, je länger wartisch, desto meh freusch di wännds sie endlich häsch!

[@fabfour289]

Cartier, pls update the medium size to 38 x 45.4 mm that would entertain the goldilocks sporty 39-40mm round watch equivalent. 20mm lug width, of course, call it the ML model. Thanks for the vid, man.

[@sghu11]

Hi can i know the size of youre wrist?

[@watchcraft]

16cm

[@sghu11]

@@watchcraft ok very beautiful watch indeed although a tad on the larger size from the way it looks on your wrist.

[@watchcraft]

@@sghu11 there's a smaller version with the white dial

[@sghu11]

@@watchcraft yup i have an 8" wrist so it should look alright on mine. Definitely one to buy. The white is very vintage now.

[@kenstewart7700]

Is that the large ?

[@jharris947]

I think it's the monster...It certainly looks like it on the wrist.😅

[@lauriexu7694]

the blue dial santos only comes in large, unlike the white dial

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Looks beautiful, but a scratch magnet.

[@watchcraft]

even polyester will scratch it. no joke.

[@sdaafasfad]

@@watchcraft I have the Cartier de Santos in white, wear it very occasionally. The first time I wore it, it was to my sisters wedding. I wholly agree with it being a scratch magnet. I was as careful as possible on her wedding day and it still came out with a few battle scars. The polished bezel around the dial is very susceptible to it - and even more so is the brushed sides of the dial. Still, it's a gorgeous watch with an impeccable, elegant, classy and timeless design. I really like the blue face one in your video! It looks gorgeous, the camera doesn't do the sunburst dial justice at all!

[@pestopizza5308]

Is white base more popular ?

[@rafaeloliva6425]

Agreed, more legible, iconic and goes matches with a greater variety of clothing.

[@rolandharris2706]

yea, in house movement is not even a selling pt. for me anymore.

[@watchcraft]

interesting. how so? for me, as soon as a watch costs over 1'000 i won't buy it if it hasn't an in-house movement. unless it's vintage.

[@rolandharris2706]

@@watchcraft 1. expensive service 2. Limited actual credible servicers 3. Limited parts I also wonder about the opportunity cost of in house development. What innovation was lost spending ages developing in house capacity. ETA makes time tested, great movements that are readily serviced. I know it can limit the creativity of the design because certain elements are fixed like the height and position of the subdials.

[@watchcraft]

@@rolandharris2706 good point about the servicing. you'll spend 1'000 usd for a Rolex service. i rarely pay that much for a car service. also I own a Hamilton and am really happy with the ETA movement. i guess i should reconsider my stance on in-house movements. thank you for the input

[@walkerb1734]

Beautiful….but a monster of a watch. It kind of loses it’s elegance at that size. Give me a medium any day!

[@craigh.9810]

Then buy a medium. His wrist size is only 6.3 » which is arguably too small for this watch. But hey, if he likes it…. A 7 » or more wrist size would be better, as it’s all a matter of proportion.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

The medium is dainty, it's no where near a "monster." My girlfriend rocks one as well. Are you stuck in the 80s?

[@ShepProudfoot]

Great size. Everything under large is ladies size for this watch.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

Agreed! I have the 2 tone, and bought multiple straps. Super versatile timepiece.

[@monkeypawism]

Is this a George Michael song?

[@watchcraft]

Nope, I don't know the name of the artist though. But not him.

[@monkeypawism]

@@watchcraft So romanctic lol. Keep up the content - we need more!

[@watchcraft]

@@monkeypawism Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@chikeungcheung9329]

I don't believe it is a pilot watch, it is a beautiful dress watch

[@watchcraft]

well it was created for a pilot to fit its needs while operating his aircraft. but that was a long time ago. now it does not provide any additional functionality for a pilot. so I gues swe have to say it WAS a pilots watch.

[@SirMopy]

We don‘t care what you believe in. Look up the history of this watch. And it‘s officially even a sports watch, not a dress watch like you „think“..

[@gonnajatt7232]

I have the same watch. Scratches too easy.

[@watchcraft]

Agreed. But the bezel can easily be polished or even replaced, so I don't worry about it anymore.

[@atl3630]

Cartier will polish that right up for you.

[@nooshinkhalili3424]

Cartier polishes for you But how much it cost??

[@johncadogan2109]

You have that watch but for how much did you buy the watch and dose it glow in the dark

[@WillJ99999]

Excuse me, but i think the first man wristwatch is by patek in 1868, not cartier

[@craigh.9810]

Listen more carefully. He qualified it by saying "man's" wristwatch. Cartier is, in fact, the first man's wristwatch, while Patek's was for a woman.

[@tutango16]

Everytime you showing us a luxury watch or jewelry YOU must get a manicure.

[@emadb8380]

Nice fashion watch...

[@watchcraft]

oohh that's a mean one :-D strongly disagree though, they make watches since 1903. i'd hardly call that a fashon brand

[@mazin13]

Cartier gets a pass from the watch community. The tank and santos are icons. This isn't a Gucci or Versace watch!

[@watchcraft]

@@mazin13 thanks for backing me up, well said

[@tobidnottobid4000]

Ah yes, the Cartier Santos, one of the oldest watch designs and one of the most iconic watches ever, a fashion watch. Truly well said

[@watchcraft]

@@tobidnottobid4000 thumbs up

[@Makta972]

Looks to big on your wrist. The Medium looks better, way classier

[@daviddoan8076]

Looks fine on his wrist. The medium will look like a woman’s watch. Do mirror shots. It is the best way to see the fitment.

[@l_r8671]

​@@daviddoan8076agree the medium looks like women's size. large is the best for men

[@rafaeloliva6425]

The medium is too dainty.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

The santos loses all of its class in this large size.

[@albolvo]

It's ok little fella

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@albolvo yep, everyone’s a tough guy sitting behind their computer screen….

[@craigh.9810]

Those with small, dainty wrists seem to want to convince others who don’t to buy small watches. Cartier is class in any size. But the watch must fit the person. His wrist size is only 6.3". A wrist size of 7" or more would give a different look. However, it's a matter of taste which is very individual.

[@seavee2190]

@@whereRbearsTeeth He's right.. It's ok little dude. We're not part of your IWC problem. Man up.

[@hectthorno584]

​@@craigh.9810 I wonder if Mohamed Ali had small wrists. That would explain why he wore his tiny Tank. Or may be he had just good taste.