Cartier Santos Large Model "Blue Bezel" automatic 47,5 x 39,8 mm Full Set 2023

The little story

The Cartier Santos has its origins in the Cartier Santos-Dumont, created for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, who wanted to be able to tell the time mid-flight. In the 1970s, Alain-Dominique Perrin, then Cartier's marketing director, decided to give the Santos its first real overhaul in more than 60 years and renamed it the Santos de Cartier. The watch evolved, with the addition of a bezel with a plate held in place by tiny screws and an integrated bracelet instead of the traditional leather strap. Cartier has also added 18-carat gold to the case and bracelet to give the watch an extra touch of luxury. This intriguing and daring move for its time helped launch another trend, the two-tone watch. Launched in 1978, this version was shortly followed by an all-steel watch, which was extremely popular in the 1980s.

Abandoned in 2016, the collection was then reintroduced in 2018 to celebrate 40 years of the first model. This new version of the Santos, is now equipped with a Manufacture calibre and is now available in several sizes: a medium-sized model without a date measuring 35.1 x 41.9 mm and a "large" model with a date window at 6 o'clock and measuring 39.8 x 47.5 mm. Since then, the Santos has been available in several sizes and versions. In addition to the classic steel models, as well as versions with a gradient blue dial or a black case, it was offered at Watches & Wonders 2022 with a new blue-coated bezel and new dials, all with an original motif. And it's one of these models that we're going to present to you on this 10h10!

The model

Based on the steel "GM" version, Cartier has added a new bezel, never seen before on the Santos! For the first time in this "revisited" collection, the Santos de Cartier features a patterned bezel with horizontal grooves and coated with blue PVD for a striking contrast.

Its silvered dial are also new to the Santos. Based on the same concept as the bezel, it features a central zone with horizontal grooves. The classic blue hands have disappeared and been replaced by larger luminous hands. The Roman numerals are applied rather than painted. It's a bit like the "two-tone" Cartier of the 21st century!

When it was revised in 2018, Cartier had added a handy feature to its new watch: the QuickSwitch system! A system that allows you to switch from the steel bracelet to the rubber strap, and without tools. The concept has been retained on this model, which is very practical, as this model comes with both a steel bracelet with a folding clasp and a blue rubber strap that mimics the look of the bracelet.

This watch is powered by the calibre 1847 MC, an automatic movement produced by the group's manufacture in ValFleurier. It is a relatively simple but reliable calibre that beats at 28800 vibrations per hour and offers 42 hours of power reserve.

The package

This Cartier Santos is in beautiful condition! Sold in March 2023, this watch is delivered Full Set, with its case, second bracelet and all its documents. Still under Cartier warranty until 2031, this timepiece has been checked and authenticated by our watchmaker, and also benefits from a one-year Lepage 10h10 warranty. This watch has also been lightly polished to remove scratches.