Cartier Santos
Pre-owned Cartier Santos watch: a watchmaking icon
Born in 1904 to meet the needs of aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont , the Cartier Santos is one of the very first wristwatches in history . Its square case, exposed screws and Roman numeral dial make it an instantly recognizable watch.
Today, the pre-owned Santos seduces with the diversity of its models, sizes and finishes, while remaining faithful to its original spirit: a functional and elegant watch .
Cartier Santos: historical landmarks
- 1904: Louis Cartier designs a wristwatch for his aviator friend, freeing up the hands for piloting.
- 1911: the Santos watch officially enters the Cartier collection .
- 1978: modern launch at Le Bourget, with steel/gold case and unisex spirit.
- 2004: centenary and launch of the Santos 100 .
- 2018: new generation Santos de Cartier with QuickSwitch and SmartLink.
- 2019–2023: development of Skeleton models, with micro-rotor on the Santos-Dumont.
How to recognize a Santos Cartier watch?
- Square case with softened corners
- Screw-down bezel with visible screws
- Dial with Roman numerals and “railway” minute track
- Blue sword hands and crown set with a blue cabochon
- Steel or leather bracelets, integrated into the design
Recent generations benefit from the QuickSwitch system (instant bracelet change) and SmartLink (tool-free link adjustment), making the Santos even more practical for everyday use.
The great families of Cartier Santos
Santos-Dumont
The most faithful to the original, with a slim profile and discreet elegance. Available in small, large or XL ( luxury men's watch ), in steel, yellow gold, rose gold or two-tone. Quartz or manual movements depending on the size. The Santos Dumont watch Ideal for lovers of lightness and purity.
Santos de Cartier
Relaunched in 2018, it modernizes the icon while preserving its DNA:
- 1847 MC automatic movement
- Case with satin and polished finishes
- Interchangeable bracelets with QuickSwitch
- Steel, gold/steel, solid gold or black ADLC versions
- Waterproof up to 100 m on certain references
Available in medium, large, and XL sizes, the Santos de Cartier also comes in an ergonomic chronograph.
Santos Skeleton
Openwork movement drawing the Roman numerals on the plate (e.g. caliber 9611 MC). Steel, gold or ADLC versions, combining transparency and modernity. The Santos Skeleton is a spectacular and sought-after watch on the pre-owned timepiece market.
Other cult models
- Santos 100 (2004): strong proportions, strong presence on the wrist
- Santos Galbée (1990s): arched and comfortable silhouette
- Santos Demoiselle : slim version and elegant watch for women
- Santos Ronde and Santos Vendôme: rare variants prized by collectors
Choosing the right second-hand Cartier Santos
Sizes and movements
- Small, medium, large, XL depending on the generation
- Quartz for practicality
- Manual for purists
- Automatic 1847 MC for balanced everyday use
Materials and configurations
- Steel, gold/two-tone steel, yellow gold , rose gold, black ADLC, sometimes set with diamonds
- Steel bracelets with visible screws or classic leather
- On recent models: bracelet kit + folding clasp with QuickSwitch
Pre-purchase checkpoints
- Authenticity : serial number, Cartier signature, cabochon
- Movement : accuracy and service history
- Case : even wear, clean screws
- Waterproofing : recommended test
- Complete set : box, papers, additional bracelet if provided
A well-maintained pre-owned Cartier Santos retains its value and appeal when worn.
Santos Cartier Watch: Beyond Time, Jewels
Cartier also offers the Santos line in jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, and cufflinks featuring the aesthetic of screws and distinctive geometry. Available in yellow, rose, or white gold, they complete the Santos universe.
Your pre-owned Cartier Santos at Miller Paris
Our selection includes Santos-Dumont, Santos de Cartier, Santos 100, Santos Galbée, Skeleton and other sought-after models.
Each watch is appraised, authenticated, and refurbished if necessary before being displayed in the display case. Also see our pre-owned Cartier Tanks !
FAQ – Pre-Owned Cartier Santos
What is the difference between Santos-Dumont and Santos de Cartier?
→ The Santos-Dumont is thinner, often quartz or manual. The Santos de Cartier is more versatile, automatic, with QuickSwitch/SmartLink.
What size should I choose?
→ Small, medium, large, XL: trying on remains the best criterion for comfort and balance.
Is the Santos Skeleton readable?
→ Yes. Roman numeral bridges maintain good legibility while offering a spectacular aesthetic.
How to preserve the value of a used Santos?
→ Authenticity, condition, service history and complete sets (box, papers). Avoid repeated polishing and test for leaks after each service.
Pre-owned Cartier Santos watch: a watchmaking icon
Born in 1904 to meet the needs of aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont , the Cartier Santos is one of the very first wristwatches in history . Its square case, exposed screws and Roman numeral dial make it an instantly recognizable watch.
Today, the pre-owned Santos seduces with the diversity of its models, sizes and finishes, while remaining faithful to its original spirit: a functional and elegant watch .
Cartier Santos: historical landmarks
- 1904: Louis Cartier designs a wristwatch for his aviator friend, freeing up the hands for piloting.
- 1911: the Santos watch officially enters the Cartier collection .
- 1978: modern launch at Le Bourget, with steel/gold case and unisex spirit.
- 2004: centenary and launch of the Santos 100 .
- 2018: new generation Santos de Cartier with QuickSwitch and SmartLink.
- 2019–2023: development of Skeleton models, with micro-rotor on the Santos-Dumont.
How to recognize a Santos Cartier watch?
- Square case with softened corners
- Screw-down bezel with visible screws
- Dial with Roman numerals and “railway” minute track
- Blue sword hands and crown set with a blue cabochon
- Steel or leather bracelets, integrated into the design
Recent generations benefit from the QuickSwitch system (instant bracelet change) and SmartLink (tool-free link adjustment), making the Santos even more practical for everyday use.
The great families of Cartier Santos
Santos-Dumont
The most faithful to the original, with a slim profile and discreet elegance. Available in small, large or XL ( luxury men's watch ), in steel, yellow gold, rose gold or two-tone. Quartz or manual movements depending on the size. The Santos Dumont watch Ideal for lovers of lightness and purity.
Santos de Cartier
Relaunched in 2018, it modernizes the icon while preserving its DNA:
- 1847 MC automatic movement
- Case with satin and polished finishes
- Interchangeable bracelets with QuickSwitch
- Steel, gold/steel, solid gold or black ADLC versions
- Waterproof up to 100 m on certain references
Available in medium, large, and XL sizes, the Santos de Cartier also comes in an ergonomic chronograph.
Santos Skeleton
Openwork movement drawing the Roman numerals on the plate (e.g. caliber 9611 MC). Steel, gold or ADLC versions, combining transparency and modernity. The Santos Skeleton is a spectacular and sought-after watch on the pre-owned timepiece market.
Other cult models
- Santos 100 (2004): strong proportions, strong presence on the wrist
- Santos Galbée (1990s): arched and comfortable silhouette
- Santos Demoiselle : slim version and elegant watch for women
- Santos Ronde and Santos Vendôme: rare variants prized by collectors
Choosing the right second-hand Cartier Santos
Sizes and movements
- Small, medium, large, XL depending on the generation
- Quartz for practicality
- Manual for purists
- Automatic 1847 MC for balanced everyday use
Materials and configurations
- Steel, gold/two-tone steel, yellow gold , rose gold, black ADLC, sometimes set with diamonds
- Steel bracelets with visible screws or classic leather
- On recent models: bracelet kit + folding clasp with QuickSwitch
Pre-purchase checkpoints
- Authenticity : serial number, Cartier signature, cabochon
- Movement : accuracy and service history
- Case : even wear, clean screws
- Waterproofing : recommended test
- Complete set : box, papers, additional bracelet if provided
A well-maintained pre-owned Cartier Santos retains its value and appeal when worn.
Santos Cartier Watch: Beyond Time, Jewels
Cartier also offers the Santos line in jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, and cufflinks featuring the aesthetic of screws and distinctive geometry. Available in yellow, rose, or white gold, they complete the Santos universe.
Your pre-owned Cartier Santos at Miller Paris
Our selection includes Santos-Dumont, Santos de Cartier, Santos 100, Santos Galbée, Skeleton and other sought-after models.
Each watch is appraised, authenticated, and refurbished if necessary before being displayed in the display case. Also see our pre-owned Cartier Tanks !
FAQ – Pre-Owned Cartier Santos
What is the difference between Santos-Dumont and Santos de Cartier?
→ The Santos-Dumont is thinner, often quartz or manual. The Santos de Cartier is more versatile, automatic, with QuickSwitch/SmartLink.
What size should I choose?
→ Small, medium, large, XL: trying on remains the best criterion for comfort and balance.
Is the Santos Skeleton readable?
→ Yes. Roman numeral bridges maintain good legibility while offering a spectacular aesthetic.
How to preserve the value of a used Santos?
→ Authenticity, condition, service history and complete sets (box, papers). Avoid repeated polishing and test for leaks after each service.
