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CARTIER SANTOS LADY 6,000 € -
CARTIER SANTOS LADY 6,500 €
Cartier Santos – a watch with an aviator’s pedigree
The Cartier Santos is one of those rare models that can be worn for decades and still look relevant. The square case, Roman numerals on the dial, and screws visible on the bezel create an incredibly distinctive design. It’s a watch with a true history—and one of the few that can truly be said to have changed something in watchmaking.
How was the first modern Cartier Santos de Cartier watch created?
In the early 20th century, men wore pocket watches. However, reaching into their pockets during a flight was impossible for a pilot. Alberto Santos-Dumont, a pioneering aviator and friend of Louis Cartier, complained about this inconvenience, and Cartier responded with a watch that could be strapped to the wrist and read at a glance. The model was created in 1904 and entered regular production in 1911 under the aviator’s name. The Santos was one of the first pilot’s watches in the world and is still considered the first modern men’s wristwatch.
What makes the Santos’s design unique?
At the heart of the design is a square case with gently rounded corners. Admittedly, this is a rather unusual solution in a world where most watches were round. The bezel features eight screws, which, going from a technical detail to a Cartier signature, have become a trademark. The dial is a lesson in Parisian restraint: classic Roman numerals, slender hands, and a crown with a blue cabochon. The overall design has a sporty character, although the Santos looks just as good with a suit as with rolled-up shirt sleeves.
Santos de Cartier or Santos-Dumont – which line should you choose?
The Cartier Santos collection is divided into two main lines: Santos de Cartier and Santos-Dumont. The Santos de Cartier is the version with an automatic movement and a fuller presence on the wrist. The Santos-Dumont is slimmer and lighter, powered by a quartz movement or hand-wound—a choice for those who appreciate a classic, slim silhouette. The Santos Skeleton, a luxurious version with an openwork dial revealing the working mechanism, occupies a special place. If you’re looking for the perfect model, start by asking whether you value the convenience of an automatic or the finesse of a thin case.
What Santos models are available on the market?
The choice is wide. The Santos de Cartier Medium has a case measuring 41.9 x 35.1 mm, making it suitable for many wrists. It’s a versatile size for any style. The larger Santos 100, with a case measuring 42 x 51 mm, makes a stronger statement. Lovers of classic designs reach for the prized Santos Galbée from years past, while those seeking a smaller case opt for the women’s Santos Demoiselle. In 2018, Cartier refreshed the entire Santos de Cartier line, and a year later, the Santos de Cartier Chronograph joined the line. Models are available in steel, bicolor gold, yellow, rose, and white gold, as well as titanium – on a leather strap or bracelet.
Movement and everyday wear
Many contemporary Santos de Cartier models are powered by the automatic caliber 1847 MC, with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Hand-wound Santos-Dumont models, on the other hand, use, among others, the caliber 430 MC, which offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The caliber 9612 MC, with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, is reserved for selected Santos de Cartier Skeleton models. Newer models are well protected against magnetic fields up to 1500 gauss, so you can safely place them next to your phone or laptop. A practical convenience is the QuickSwitch system, which allows you to swap the bracelet for a strap without the need for tools – you can match the watch to the occasion in seconds.
Your Cartier Santos is waiting at Expertyco
The Santos is one of those watches you buy once in a while, so it’s worth taking your time and being certain of its authenticity. Each piece in our offer undergoes verification of its movement and condition – you choose the aesthetics, we take responsibility for authenticity. Specify what you’re looking for: case size, metal type, bracelet, or leather strap.
We invite you to our Warsaw showroom for a chat and coffee – our experts will help you make an informed decision. You can browse our current online selection or tell us about your dream model, and we’ll find it for you.
Frequently asked questions
This was Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviation pioneer and friend of Louis Cartier. It was at his request that a watch be created in 1904 that could be conveniently read while flying. The model bears his name to this day.
Because it was created at a time when men almost exclusively wore pocket watches. The Santos was one of the first watches to be worn on the wrist, and it was also one of the first pilot’s watches in the world. It entered regular production in 1911.
The Santos de Cartier is the automatic version with a fuller case. The Santos-Dumont is slimmer and lighter, and is powered by either a quartz or hand-wound movement. The former emphasizes comfort, the latter a classic, flat silhouette.
The Santos de Cartier Medium is a versatile choice, with a case measuring 41.9 x 35.1 mm. Those who prefer a more prominent presence on the wrist can choose the Santos 100 with a case measuring 42 x 51 mm, while the women’s Santos Demoiselle works well for smaller wrists.
Yes. Newer models are protected against magnetic fields up to 1500 gauss, so you can safely carry them near your phone or laptop without risking deregulation.
Yes, as long as it’s a newer model with the QuickSwitch system. This allows you to remove the bracelet and attach the leather strap without tools, in seconds. It’s a convenient way to adapt one watch to different occasions.
Yes, if you buy from a trusted source. Value is influenced by the type of precious metal, case size, and condition. At Expertyco, every piece undergoes authenticity verification and a mechanical inspection, so you can be sure you’re buying an original.