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The Cartier Santos medium represents, to me, among the finest the model has to supply. Not too long ago, I spent some high quality time with the Santos. Listed below are my ideas.
Cartier is a watch model that represents many issues to many individuals. Like Rolex, it has developed somewhat baggage just because it has been so iconic, profitable, and outstanding. There have been ups and downs, however Cartier is now firmly positioned as one of many strongest luxurious watch manufacturers on the market. It is usually a watch model with which I’ve lengthy been fascinated, however I by no means had the prospect to spend a lot time with its watches.
Why the Cartier Santos is really iconic
There are a number of causes for this. First, nobody in my household owns a Cartier watch. My publicity to manufacturers like IWC, Tudor, and Rolex got here by my household. So in addition to the odd journey to a Cartier boutique to gawk on the watchmaking wonders, I’ve by no means spent a lot time with one on my wrist. Even so, Cartier has produced among the designs which are my absolute favorites within the watch world. This contains the Tank Normale and in the present day’s watch, the Santos.
For me, the Cartier Santos is, regardless of its iconic design, a criminally underappreciated watch in our passion. This can be a design that represents the first-ever pilot’s watch and one of many first-ever wristwatches. In 2018, when Cartier launched the revamped Santos line, the model had successful on its palms. Though the watch is available in a bigger measurement, the medium hits the candy spot for me with my 6.25″ wrist and is somewhat nearer to the unique.
Alberto Santos-Dumont
A fast Cartier Santos historical past recap
In 1906, Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont was discussing a frustration together with his buddy Louis Cartier. Cartier, a French businessman and jeweler, was lending his sympathetic ear. Dumont was bemoaning the issue of checking his pocket watch whereas flying. Each his palms wanted to be on the plane controls, so fumbling for his watch was tough and harmful. The concept got here that Dumont would want a watch he might put on on his wrist in order that he might safely test the time whereas flying. This is able to be the Santos-Dumont wristwatch and the first-ever pilot’s watch.
Louis Cartier
Mr. Santos-Dumont wore this watch each time he flew. The general public rapidly caught on to what he was sporting, and ultimately, Cartier began to provide a model for the general public. Cartier would work with Edmond Jaeger (of what would change into Jaeger-LeCoultre) to mass-produce the Santos watch. It first went on sale in 1911. The design acquired a serious change in 1978 with the addition of what would change into the long-lasting metallic bracelet. Nevertheless, there’s a clear design language that has continued for over a century of watchmaking to in the present day’s fashionable Santos.
Why is the Cartier Santos a Rolex killer?
The advantage of the Cartier Santos lies in its design and its ergonomics. In actual fact, I see this watch as a professional competitor and potential killer of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual or Datejust. Why, although? In spite of everything, it’s inferior in a number of technical sides, the primary of which is the 1847 MC motion inside. Spec-wise, it carefully resembles the ETA 2892-A2 since Cartier developed it as a substitute for that motion. It presents simply 42 hours of energy reserve and an accuracy of between -3 and +7 seconds per day. By the best way, my instance has stayed inside COSC spec. The motion is antimagnetic however lacks the accuracy and longer energy reserve of the Rolex or Omega calibers you get in watches at an identical worth stage.
Then there may be the dearth of a screw-down crown. For some, it is a fear, significantly in the event that they need to take their look ahead to a swim. I haven’t had points with watches that don’t have screw-down crowns, however it will be a welcome addition to the Santos, extra for peace of thoughts than the rest. You would additionally throw within the basic lack of lume, significantly with the silver-dialed model. So, in the event you pit the Santos medium towards sports-watch rivals or dressy “GADA” watches, technically, it simply can’t compete.
The key sauce that makes this watch particular
Evaluating this €7,700 watch to others in an identical worth bracket belies the components that make it a very robust contender, although. The bracelet is without doubt one of the most comfy I’ve ever had the pleasure of sporting. The best way that it hugs the wrist and conforms to the watch’s form is really great. The watch is splendidly slim too, coming in 8.82mm thick for the medium mannequin. That is nearly good for me, significantly as a result of I prefer to swim with my watches and thicker timepieces are likely to catch rocks or scuba gear.
The Santos has a 100m water resistance ranking regardless of its push-pull crown. This is without doubt one of the most great elements of this watch. Its design, with its Roman numerals and sq. dial and case, is dressy, however it nonetheless is usually a true GADA timepiece. So, with little encouragement wanted, I made a decision to take it free diving with a buddy (my because of Jack who helped with a few of these underwater pictures!). What I rapidly realized is that, underwater, this watch dial really shines. I discovered it extremely legible, regardless that I’m nonetheless getting used to Roman numerals.
An ideal timepiece companion for all adventures
Now, we regularly say that one thing may very well be as at house within the boardroom as on the seaside, however I believe the Cartier Santos presents one thing particular. It has that Cartier particular sauce. The design credentials are top-notch, and the standard is there to match. The polished bezel will rapidly present marks and scratches from possession, which I really like. The adage I typically go by is, “Put on your watches, folks!” The Cartier Santos presents all of that wearability plus extra as a result of it’s a extremely elegant (I’d argue extra so than a Rolex Datejust or equal) and really succesful sports activities watch.
With out sounding too sycophantic, I really feel it’s only truthful and trustworthy to confess that I’m passionate about this Santos. You would most likely inform from the best way I’m writing about it, however there’s something magical in regards to the design, the ergonomics, and the sturdiness. “Elegant-tough” can be the best way I’d describe this explicit timepiece.
Concluding ideas on the Cartier Santos
What would I alter in regards to the Cartier Santos medium? Properly, it will be good if the watch had a screw-down crown. Some lume can be useful as properly (how unbelievable would a lume-dialed model of this watch be?). In addition to that, I can’t fault the watch a lot. The polished bezel is a part of the design, and the historical past is sort of with no match. The caliber is stable sufficient, though I wouldn’t name it outstanding. The bracelet is comfy and has the great link-removal system that Cartier has rolled out, making the method extremely easy.
Maybe one other factor can be including a clasp system with somewhat micro-adjustment. I discover that I prefer to put on my watches fairly cosy to the wrist, and an ideal match sits between two hyperlinks for me. So being able to regulate it, even ever so barely, can be welcome. However, I now discover myself severely considering shopping for a Cartier Santos within the medium measurement. As somebody who doesn’t have many “formed” watches, it ticks all the containers for me. This contains water resistance, which is an absolute should. For me, this watch is a professional Rolex Oyster killer. Bravo, Cartier.
