Cartier Santos de Cartier
Santos de Cartier listings: price and sales statistics
- Listings for sale
- 6
- Median asking price
- $9,250
- Price range
- $7,400 – $38,500
- Made 2018–2026
- Sold listings
- 9
- Median asking price $7,870
Based on asking prices · 29 October 2026
Other Cartier models
About Cartier Santos de Cartier
A Modern Design Icon Born from Aviation History
Louis Cartier designed the Santos model in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont to effortlessly read the time while flying. Considered one of the first wristwatches in aviation history and modern watchmaking, the model was reinterpreted in 2018 with the contemporary Santos de Cartier series, following its two-tone integrated bracelet evolution in 1978. The characteristic screwed bezel of the square case was modernized with flowing lines extending toward the lugs, giving the watch a strong architectural balance.
Ergonomics, Size Options, and the QuickSwitch System
The Santos de Cartier collection is essentially divided into two main sizes: Medium (35.1 mm case diameter) and Large (39.8 mm case diameter). While the Medium model stands out with its pure dial layout without a date aperture, the Large model offers a date complication at 6 o'clock. One of the collection's most practical innovations is the patented QuickSwitch system, which allows you to change bracelets and straps without using any tools. The SmartLink mechanism, which enables links in the metal bracelet to be added or removed in seconds, ensures that the watch can be easily adjusted to your wrist. In addition to the classic silvered opaline dial, there are various material and dial alternatives such as the blue-dial WSSA0030, green-dial WSSA0064, ADLC-bezel WSSA0037, or the yellow gold case WGSA0018.
Manufacture Caliber 1847 MC and Daily Durability
At the heart of the model is the Calibre 1847 MC, an automatic movement produced in-house by the brand. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this caliber offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and is supported by anti-magnetic alloys that prevent the negative effects of magnetic fields encountered in daily life. Protected by the caseback and a faceted blue synthetic spinel cabochon on the seven-sided crown, the case reaches a water resistance rating of 100 meters, elevating the model into the versatile luxury sports watch category.
Details to Consider When Choosing Pre-Owned or Unworn
When evaluating Santos de Cartier models, the condition of the mirror-polished bezels and the sharpness of the brushed surface lines on the case should be carefully inspected. In addition to the original box and papers, having the complete set with the extra leather strap, deployant clasp, and removed SmartLink links directly preserves the watch's collectible value. Listings on Watchlabb come from individuals with verified identities and contact information as well as approved stores; buyers contact the seller directly and deal without intermediaries.
Cartier Santos de Cartier — frequently asked questions
What are the main differences between the Santos de Cartier Medium and Large models?
The Medium model has a case width of 35.1 mm and features a dial without a date aperture. The Large model comes with a 39.8 mm case width and includes a date aperture at 6 o'clock. Both models feature the automatic Calibre 1847 MC movement and the QuickSwitch strap change system.
How do you use the QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems?
The QuickSwitch system allows the bracelet or leather strap to be removed in seconds without tools by gently pressing the tab located behind the lugs. The SmartLink system enables you to release the pins without tools via hidden push-buttons behind the metal bracelet links, allowing you to practically adjust the bracelet size.
Is the Santos de Cartier suitable for daily use in terms of water resistance?
The model has a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters (10 bar). Combined with the sapphire crystal and screwed caseback, this level of durability makes the watch completely reliable for daily scenarios such as hand washing, rain, and swimming as a sports watch.
What should you pay attention to in the full set when buying a pre-owned Santos de Cartier?
In addition to the watch's original guarantee card and box, you should check for the presence of the second leather or rubber strap and matching deployant clasp supplied from the factory. Furthermore, ensuring that all spare SmartLink links removed from the bracelet are delivered complete is important for wrist fit and value retention.