There is nothing wrong with a scratched watch. I think that watches are made to be worn therefore eventually will scratch and will look alive. Wear your watches, don’t worry and enjoy them fully.
But they could have made the bezel from ceramic or harder stainless. The fact that it easily scratches keeps me from purchasing. My Omega sea master is 15 years old and looks amazing.
@@regulartxdude7813 well, I personally find the ceramic bezels to be too shiny and flashy. If you have a watch that age with time with scratches on the case and the bracelet, I found quite weird to have a bezel that looks so perfect on it. A full ceramic watch that has a brushed aspect, why not?
I have the large and love it. The watch is quite thin which somehow makes the larger size work, even on a small diameter wrist. I love mine. I also easily polish out the scratches from time to time with a cape cod polishing cloth and the bezel looks good as new and I've used a satin bar on the bracelet to bring it back to new condition. Very easy to do. .
I have the large Santos. People say to just enjoy the scratches...but I simply take a Cap Cod Polishing Cloth and polish the bezel once each year. Takes about 10 minutes. Purchased in 2019 and in 2024 it looks new.
i have been thinking about getting the omega speedy for a few years now, but seeing this santos on the different straps is really making me re-think my purchase. I really like the grey, green, and even the blue options for this watch. They all looked so unique. I love the white dial and slim case. Thanks for the video! Really enjoyed it.
I can confirm that you can buy a new bezel from Cartier. I had once scratched my Cartier Santos badly that I didn’t feel comfortable polishing it. So I requested a bezel replacement and they did. The watch was back to new!
@@wongbryson I only had the bezel replaced, but I would assume that cases are also available as spare parts, as all other watch parts, the reason people go for polishing is because it’s the cheaper option. But me personally I’d rather have a brand new look instead of a polished look.
The leather strap gives the watch a completely different look, like getting two watches in one. If bored with the look, just change the strap for a while.
Idk you played killer instinct as a kid but that “ccccccc-combo breaker” hit for me. Anyways, great video. Thinking of adding this to the collection with additional strap options.
I really like the design of the Santos that I ended up getting both a Santos Dumont Large and a Santos de Cartier in medium. I do find myself babying the medium steel Santos more due to how it scratches so easily in all its components. I still love them both though that now I’m tempted to get the new large blue bezel and blue dial Santos so I have a more sportier/ sort of rugged Santos.
I believe a replacement bezel is ~$250 with Cartier while getting the watch serviced. One solution would be to remove the bezel and have it professionally brushed. Obviously, that would alter the bling factor of the watch, but you wouldn't have to worry about light scratches so much.
I have the ROUND version of the Santos: The 1990s Cartier Santos Ronde 33mm Automatic 1920-1. I do not have the original papers, but something better than that. I have the total provenance of owners from 1996 onwards - the previous 5 owners have handed down their names and addresses as well as their receips from repairs/servicing to the next owner. Being owner number 6 of this Cartier Santos Ronde I am surprised that the bezel is in such a good condition - a bit scratched, but it is all part of its history. Long live the Santos!
Great review! Love the content. I had the same thing think the large was also to big for me and the medium was perfect. In the end I only had the money to buy one watch and I have bought the grand Seiko SLGA007 lake suwa. I know the price is a bit more up but when I had them side to side there was no question for me anymore. In the end love the Santos and would like to own one some time. Keep up the great videos
@@MinuteMon yea I was searching for it in Europe where I live but everywhere it was sold out. I was two weeks back on a holiday in the U.K. and to my surprise I saw it in a shop on York! Took some time to think it out since it was my first expensive watch bit I am very happy with it! Love the channel, would like to see more reviews. Best regards Guus
Your bezel can be polished starting with a 3 micron diamond paste. So the amount of metal you will take away would allow many, many polishes before you will notice anything. Then.. it's just a bezel you can replace.
I could have purchased this watch a little over a year ago at a discount. I sometimes regret passing on it, and this is one of those times. We have the same wrist size, and it looks great on your wrist.
Just for the record, the watch actually has VERY strong anti-magnetic features. Far MORE than most, to include Rolex and other high end watches in this relative price point. Great review
@@coreygolphenee9633 Actually the Milgauss stats account for fields up to 1000 whereas the Cartie Santos is 1200 (BOTH can do MORE based on independent studies) BUTTTT the technical specs on antimagnetism for the Carier is BETTER.
Cartier is unique. I’d love a Santos white face medium. I have an AP diver Rolex GMT ( daily) Seiko Turtle & presage Rolex President 36 mm. The Santos would complete my collection
Nice Santos. The one GADA watch that comes to mind is a Nomos Ahoi Neomatik in 36mm and signal white with the metal sports bracelet. 200m WR, will work fine on leather, looks dressy enough to not have to swap it.
My $90 Specht Sohne homage Santos, doesn't scratch like the original MM shows here; wonder why? I love the homage. Can't value a $6,950 - is price differential as I don't care what the brand name is.
For the price Cartier should consider adding a protective coating to the steel. Zelos, Traska and even Citizen have it on some of their watches and helps a lot with the scratches. With that it really elevates it more to the sporty watch it wants to be.
@@coreygolphenee9633 correct: supple steel snake feel all the way. Vacheron does the same thing: solid steel bracelets that feel & hang like fkn silk, somehow
You mention the omega AT was anti-magnetic. Well, I read up on the santos movement on the Cartier site and it’s also anti-magnetic. I am not sure why no review ever mentions this nice aspect of the santos!
Great question & comment! Yes the Santos can have anti-magnetic properties to the movement, but without a doubt the Omega Master Chronometer movement is truly anti-magnetic to the force of an MRI machine. So - I don’t really mention Cartier Santos anti-magnetic since it is usually a low tolerance for magnetism - If you stick the Santos on top to a speaker, strong magnet, phone etc it will still eventually get magnetized - but not Omega’s.
@@MinuteMon the Cartier website says that the 1847MC escape mechanism is made with non-magnetic components. Admittedly I’m not an expert on movements though (I’m more into design, etc). And kudos to omega, I like them as well.
@@MinuteMon A Santos is anti magnetic up to 1,200 gauss, which is more anti-magnetic than a Rolex Milgauss rated at 1,000 gauss. It certainly will not get magnetised by items such as a speaker, phone or an office use magnet. It is not as anti-magnetic as a Omega 8800 which is rated to 15,000 gauss. But 1,200 gauss resistance is not at all "low tolerance for magnetism", it's anti-magnetic to almost 99% of scenarios except for some extreme conditioins, such as a MRI.
pay that kinda money and you basically get a dressed up eta 2824, same etachron style regulator, same power reserve, same accuracy, its honestly insulting from a watchmaker's perspective.
Not gonna lie, that the bezel is THAT a scratch magnet could be a deal breaker for me. It’s a godly watch and I love it, but the price is also high. So, I would want a watch is more scratch resistant I think.
@@boykaunlimitted4514 it actually comes from the factory with a thin plastic case that covers the bezel, crystal, and lugs. A few of those, but a slightly thinner version, would be great.
I agree! Hence why I don’t mind the scratches. I’ll only request a light refinishing when it’s time to get a service otherwise I’ll just keep wearing and enjoying business as usual 😎
Awesome review I love the Santos Medium and it’s high on my list. I was debating between the Santos and the Chopard Alpine Eagle. For the price/value, I think the Santos is a clear bargain/winner. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks
Chopard Alpine Eagle is awesome as well, I considered having both in the collection at the same time because to me they will wear differently. Plus the dials are completely different
Having a watch collection is hugely important (in my opinion)... I wear my £80 G-Shock if I'm scratching about... or my G-Shock Mudmaster if gardening, DIY, Camping... or G-Shock MRG for indoors banging about. But for evenings I'll be wearing Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Cartier as the environment risk changes. Then haute horology for flexing if required 😂
The problem is you scratched your watch with the way you clean it. Only use warm water and a micro fiber cloth you NEVER use anywhere else to dry and clean the watch. If you rub it with paper towels or clean it with a brush like in your video it is predestined to scratch. Also the way your scratches look does undermine my theory how it got scratched.
I don’t brush the bezel with the soft brush actually that’s scratched up just from lots of regular wear. Brush is good in between the links - especially after using an ultrasonic cleaner. The disposable task wipers used in the video is used on camera lenses and some other watchmakers recommended it to me, but yes you can avoid paper towels if you are worried specifically on high polish areas. Usually micro fiber cloths are okay especially on the bracelet, but just have to be careful if there’s anything stuck on the cloth that can scratch the watch too.
I have a medium as well, and my wrist is 7.25 inches. The large dial is less clean with the date, it feels like an imperfection, doesn’t feel as symmetrical as the medium. Another thing that is absolutely gorgeous is the white they use : it’s not 100% white, it’s silver white. And depending on how the sun hits the dial, you get 100 different shades of white. Also, this is the most iconic and comfortable integrated stainless steel bracelet. A true homage to the aviation industry, feels like wearing a fuselage.
A few thoughts from my end: I have the medium as well, and it's a fantastic watch. The bezel can be easily polished without removing major amounts of metal for the hairlines using a Cape Cod cloth, and 100% agree a micro adjustment in the bracelet would have been MUCH APPRECIATED. I noticed you dried your watch with a paper towel. Those paper fibers will scratch that bezel quite easily. Your best bet is to use a microfiber with high fiber count (> 400). Also, a camera lens blower works well to remove excess water in the bracelet. Thanks for the great video!
@@MinuteMon Cape cod cloth is the last thing to use on a watch. They take off lots of metal, I mean A LOT, and leaves a roundish uneven appearance. No watchmaker uses this. Its total crap. Use only if you want to ruin your watch.
I could never own a Santos. First, because of the scratches. Second, and most importantly, I cant take that many misaligned screws. That would make me mental. Just make the screws align.
Happen to come across this video of yours in my feed. I really like the design of Santos and would like to get it at some point in my life (preferably while I'm still young enough), and I would opt for the medium because it's the elegant size to an elegant watch (my small wrist also plays a part). Interestingly, I'm also considering a used Aqua Terra as my next watch for 2 reasons : I need a bracelet summer watch (which Santos also fits), and Omega AT is a watch I can resell at comparable price to what I buy it used for. From that, we share quite a lot of similarities. I will most likely buy the AT first, after the economy is done kicking my ass.....
I have the medium too, but no scratches because I'm super-careful and it's rotated with other watches. I'd like a larger size, but I wish they did the large one without the date complication, which I think spoils the dial.
I have one and my conclusion is, the cartier santos is not a daily watch. It's a watch you can wear only with suit for event. The watch is amazing, beautiful but realy fragil.
What a great idea to make a 1 year review. I saw your first review and decided to get the medium santos. I had the santos 100 years ago and it was so large and bulky on my 7.25 inch wrist that I traded it in for a Rolex . Cartier makes such Classic watches the large thick case Didn’t look like something cartier would design . The medium feels a little small but it’s so classic and looks more like the original 1904 santos. When you have small scratches all over the bezel as you now have, the patina looks amazing and adds so much more charm to the watch. Keep up the great videos.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I have nothing to hide with my bezel scratches and like you said, it makes the Watch more beautiful. Hope more people can enjoy their watches and not worry about the scratches along the way
Same here... The design is beautiful, but I don't want to buy it because it's a scratch magnet. Maybe in the future, Cartier will make them with some sort of protective coating.
I was really set on getting the pvd blue... but man seeing how well the santos looks on a strap... i just don't think grey would work on the blue bezel.
No way. I have been eyeing the Santos for a few years but I just can't deal with scratches like that. I heard it was bad I had no idea it would be that bad. Looks like its the blue or DLC bezel for me. PS Cartier could fix this issue permanently by using tungsten carbide for the bezel like Omega does on some watches.
What a terrific review. The Q & A portion asked relevant questions and you knocked them out of the park. Quick Cartier question though. I have a Large Tank on brown calf I use as my dress but I’m contemplating the XL on a bracelet cause it looks amazing. I have 7in wrists so it’s the only way (with bracelet) that it doesn’t look too big, especially if not worn as a dress piece. Do you think having 2 tanks in a modest collection is being ridiculous? Thanks bro!
Dude, for the bezels you can literally just buff it yourself. Get some polishing paste and rub it with a tissue, I did this on my steel iPhone frame and it works just fine. Also, doing this barely removes any metal, you shouldn't worry about it, you can do it yearly no problem.
A smashing watch but a real scratch magnet I'm afraid. Please don't use a toothbrush cleaning it as that's where most of your micro scratches are occurring. You don't need expensive Cartier cleaning fluid on the bracelet. Warm soapy water and a micro cloth will be fine.
I mainly use the soft brush for in between the links, my bezel is scratched up already just from regular day to day wear and not babying it anymore. Warm or cool water is good, I would be careful submerging the case in soapy water for the gasket though! Thanks!
The white dial is a sure choice. But I have absolutely no legbility problem with the blue one whatever the light conditions are. I even find it very convenient for my life style : yesterday i was driving in a tunnel and I checked the time. The lume gave it to me right away. What depends on the light conditions is the color blue. Most of the time the dial seems black, then the blue reveals itself sometimes. Magic!
Good review thanks. Did you consider the 2 tone and if yes why did you chose the stainless? I imagine the bezel of the 2 tone is even softer and will show more scratches.
Yes! The two tone was also a super top contender, but the steel version won for me mainly because with the neutral gray, white, black and blues it was easier to wear without thinking too much
I had my Rolex DJ polished whilst it has been serviced. I regrettet it the moment, I saw it. It was perfect, but all the memories blanked out. My advice: Don’t do it. Cheers, love the vids! 🤙🏻
I just ordered the Santos medium with the subtle green dial, I think it is timeless in design but also a bit different with the green dial and strap. Thank you for your reviews and update.
Looking for one of these in a medium for my 18th. Would be upgrading from my tag heur aqua racer to something more elegant. Everyday I fall more in love with the santos
I have the large model with the blue dial and use cape cod polishing cloths. It looks like new. Any small scratches just polish out. If you ding it really badly and take out a chunk that a polishing cloth can’t remove, Cartier will just replace the bezel every service anyway. Enjoy the watch.
Here’s My MOST Worn Dive Watch - Tudor Black Bay 58 Silver 925 1 Year Review
ruclips.net/video/kry97L_MjTE/видео.html
There is nothing wrong with a scratched watch. I think that watches are made to be worn therefore eventually will scratch and will look alive. Wear your watches, don’t worry and enjoy them fully.
Nicely done video.
If this price correction does anything, let’s hope it gets us back to people buying watches to wear.
Scratches and all.
100%, scratching & denting make the watch unique, make it yours, and shows you're NOT "flaunting it" lol
@@LIONTAMER3D exactly. There is nothing more annoying that the guy who keeps freaking out every time he sees a new scratch on his watch.
But they could have made the bezel from ceramic or harder stainless. The fact that it easily scratches keeps me from purchasing. My Omega sea master is 15 years old and looks amazing.
@@regulartxdude7813 well, I personally find the ceramic bezels to be too shiny and flashy. If you have a watch that age with time with scratches on the case and the bracelet, I found quite weird to have a bezel that looks so perfect on it. A full ceramic watch that has a brushed aspect, why not?
I have the large and love it. The watch is quite thin which somehow makes the larger size work, even on a small diameter wrist. I love mine. I also easily polish out the scratches from time to time with a cape cod polishing cloth and the bezel looks good as new and I've used a satin bar on the bracelet to bring it back to new condition. Very easy to do. .
I have the large Santos. People say to just enjoy the scratches...but I simply take a Cap Cod Polishing Cloth and polish the bezel once each year. Takes about 10 minutes. Purchased in 2019 and in 2024 it looks new.
i have been thinking about getting the omega speedy for a few years now, but seeing this santos on the different straps is really making me re-think my purchase. I really like the grey, green, and even the blue options for this watch. They all looked so unique. I love the white dial and slim case. Thanks for the video! Really enjoyed it.
Both are so iconic....you definitely should buy them both 😊
I switched from brown strap to blue and it really makes it pop! I love it.
It looks great after one year, I love a lot of scratches showing that the watch has a life.
I am on the fence of buying one but yours looks so good ❤
in love with this watch i rather have this than a rolex to wear personally definitely a goal for my first watch
I can confirm that you can buy a new bezel from Cartier. I had once scratched my Cartier Santos badly that I didn’t feel comfortable polishing it. So I requested a bezel replacement and they did. The watch was back to new!
How much did they charge you? Thanks for your comment
@@atl3630 In USD it was around $345
Thanks for sharing! I’ll pin this for those interested in this topic.
If the case is badly scratched, can we buy a replacement case too?
@@wongbryson I only had the bezel replaced, but I would assume that cases are also available as spare parts, as all other watch parts, the reason people go for polishing is because it’s the cheaper option. But me personally I’d rather have a brand new look instead of a polished look.
Derek = Santos Medium. Tool-less bracelet adjustment / removal is massively underappreciated
Haha guilty.. I just love the watch so much. That’s like how I think of you = AP 15450.
The leather strap gives the watch a completely different look, like getting two watches in one. If bored with the look, just change the strap for a while.
Man Idk if it’s the lighting or what but the aqua terra looks amazing on your wrist
Idk you played killer instinct as a kid but that “ccccccc-combo breaker” hit for me. Anyways, great video. Thinking of adding this to the collection with additional strap options.
I love long term reviews. Sweet ass watch and great vid!
Thanks Brandon! 🙌🏼 that’s like your Tudor BB58 2 year review, loved it!
My heart is set on the Santos medium as well even if the bezel scratches do make me crazy.
This is my number 1 dream watch. Thanks for sharing!
Great video Derek. I’m loving my Santos medium that I just bought from your store! Perfect everyday watch.
So perfect! Glad you enjoy it
Agree with everything you said. It's a perfect watch. Hopefully I'll own one one day
I bought my santos after your review one year ago and I must say I feel exactly the same as you do now. It’s the perfect everyday watch.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 perfect everyday watch!
I really like the design of the Santos that I ended up getting both a Santos Dumont Large and a Santos de Cartier in medium. I do find myself babying the medium steel Santos more due to how it scratches so easily in all its components.
I still love them both though that now I’m tempted to get the new large blue bezel and blue dial Santos so I have a more sportier/ sort of rugged Santos.
I believe a replacement bezel is ~$250 with Cartier while getting the watch serviced. One solution would be to remove the bezel and have it professionally brushed. Obviously, that would alter the bling factor of the watch, but you wouldn't have to worry about light scratches so much.
Thank you. I was going for the large, but now def going for the medium
I have the ROUND version of the Santos: The 1990s Cartier Santos Ronde 33mm Automatic 1920-1. I do not have the original papers, but something better than that. I have the total provenance of owners from 1996 onwards - the previous 5 owners have handed down their names and addresses as well as their receips from repairs/servicing to the next owner. Being owner number 6 of this Cartier Santos Ronde I am surprised that the bezel is in such a good condition - a bit scratched, but it is all part of its history. Long live the Santos!
Great review! Love the content. I had the same thing think the large was also to big for me and the medium was perfect. In the end I only had the money to buy one watch and I have bought the grand Seiko SLGA007 lake suwa. I know the price is a bit more up but when I had them side to side there was no question for me anymore. In the end love the Santos and would like to own one some time. Keep up the great videos
SLGA007 is awesome!! No wrong choices here
@@MinuteMon yea I was searching for it in Europe where I live but everywhere it was sold out. I was two weeks back on a holiday in the U.K. and to my surprise I saw it in a shop on York! Took some time to think it out since it was my first expensive watch bit I am very happy with it! Love the channel, would like to see more reviews. Best regards Guus
I think the Cartier co must upgrade the metal, bec the price is high, and still a legend watch to wear for someone can afford it❤
The first scratch is always the deepest
Your bezel can be polished starting with a 3 micron diamond paste. So the amount of metal you will take away would allow many, many polishes before you will notice anything. Then.. it's just a bezel you can replace.
I could have purchased this watch a little over a year ago at a discount. I sometimes regret passing on it, and this is one of those times. We have the same wrist size, and it looks great on your wrist.
I have one for sale for 4800 plus shipping if you are still looking
Just for the record, the watch actually has VERY strong anti-magnetic features. Far MORE than most, to include Rolex and other high end watches in this relative price point. Great review
Well except the Milgauss when it comes to Rolex
@@coreygolphenee9633 Actually the Milgauss stats account for fields up to 1000 whereas the Cartie Santos is 1200 (BOTH can do MORE based on independent studies) BUTTTT the technical specs on antimagnetism for the Carier is BETTER.
@@dannyfierro1597 is it better than Omega's?
@@1ce2berg In general, YES. That said, the Omega Railmaster is 15,000 gauss
@@1ce2berg And my FAVORITE watch brand is Omega
This is such a knockout watch review. Smooth, well thought out, and great camera work.
Thank you so much!
Great review. Thanks for sharing a balanced summary of the Santos.
Thanks Kurt! Glad you enjoyed it
Cartier is unique. I’d love a Santos white face medium.
I have an AP diver
Rolex GMT ( daily)
Seiko Turtle & presage
Rolex President 36 mm.
The Santos would complete my collection
honestly, I think a thoroughly scratched santos bezel is quite nice. The transitions between there and unscratched is a tough period I'm sure though
It really is tough. The first scratches hurt everytime I looked at the watch they were glaring. After a few more you get used to it.
Nice Santos. The one GADA watch that comes to mind is a Nomos Ahoi Neomatik in 36mm and signal white with the metal sports bracelet.
200m WR, will work fine on leather, looks dressy enough to not have to swap it.
Just got mine last week! My ultimate watch! Mine is also medium with leather strap and rose gold bezel!
Congrats! Great choice
what a perfect review
I don’t mind scratches but I hate “breaking in” a watch so I think I’m gonna look at pre-owned. Thanks for the review
I am selling mine for 4800 plus shipping if you are still looking
My $90 Specht Sohne homage Santos, doesn't scratch like the original MM shows here; wonder why? I love the homage. Can't value a $6,950 - is price differential as I don't care what the brand name is.
Great video Derek! I was planning to do a one year review video on my Santos too! September will be my one year anniversary of owning mine!
Can’t wait to hear your one year!
I have the Cartier Tank XL and I am shopping for a Santos Large. Cartier is the GOD Tier of all watches!
For the price Cartier should consider adding a protective coating to the steel. Zelos, Traska and even Citizen have it on some of their watches and helps a lot with the scratches. With that it really elevates it more to the sporty watch it wants to be.
I think it would affect the finish of the watch which is kinda to point with Cartier, that bracelet is the best on anything less than 30
@@coreygolphenee9633 correct: supple steel snake feel all the way. Vacheron does the same thing: solid steel bracelets that feel & hang like fkn silk, somehow
The Santos is number one on my wish list! Thanks for the review! It looks pretty good on all those other straps too!
Thank you! I believe it works as a great One Watch Collection for many instances
Excellent video! Cheers!
You mention the omega AT was anti-magnetic. Well, I read up on the santos movement on the Cartier site and it’s also anti-magnetic. I am not sure why no review ever mentions this nice aspect of the santos!
Great question & comment! Yes the Santos can have anti-magnetic properties to the movement, but without a doubt the Omega Master Chronometer movement is truly anti-magnetic to the force of an MRI machine. So - I don’t really mention Cartier Santos anti-magnetic since it is usually a low tolerance for magnetism - If you stick the Santos on top to a speaker, strong magnet, phone etc it will still eventually get magnetized - but not Omega’s.
@@MinuteMon the Cartier website says that the 1847MC escape mechanism is made with non-magnetic components. Admittedly I’m not an expert on movements though (I’m more into design, etc). And kudos to omega, I like them as well.
@@MinuteMon A Santos is anti magnetic up to 1,200 gauss, which is more anti-magnetic than a Rolex Milgauss rated at 1,000 gauss. It certainly will not get magnetised by items such as a speaker, phone or an office use magnet. It is not as anti-magnetic as a Omega 8800 which is rated to 15,000 gauss. But 1,200 gauss resistance is not at all "low tolerance for magnetism", it's anti-magnetic to almost 99% of scenarios except for some extreme conditioins, such as a MRI.
Love this video, especially since you’re honest about the bezel, and you have a similar sized wrist at me…looking forward to more content!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Almost time to do a 2-Year update!!!
pay that kinda money and you basically get a dressed up eta 2824, same etachron style regulator, same power reserve, same accuracy, its honestly insulting from a watchmaker's perspective.
Not gonna lie, that the bezel is THAT a scratch magnet could be a deal breaker for me. It’s a godly watch and I love it, but the price is also high. So, I would want a watch is more scratch resistant I think.
They need to update it with a ceramic bezel. Then would definitely buy.
I always thought a ceramic bezel would feel un-Cartier but hey I may be wrong if they execute it extremely well
@@MinuteMon yh that's true. Don't get me wrong, absolutely love this piece. This and the SBGJ249 are my two dream watches.
@@MinuteMon maybe put a plastic cover over it like you do with your phone😂
@@boykaunlimitted4514 it actually comes from the factory with a thin plastic case that covers the bezel, crystal, and lugs. A few of those, but a slightly thinner version, would be great.
love your videos!!!
Just wanna say that the scratches show up more under fluorescent white lights, in daylight it is barely noticeable and I have the two tone.
That’s true! Barely noticeable in dim lighting 😉
One of if not my favorite watch,it’s just so clean and nice.
I think it looks cool and well loved with the hairline scratches. Would be a shame to polish them out. It's a great watch that's for sure!
I agree! Hence why I don’t mind the scratches. I’ll only request a light refinishing when it’s time to get a service otherwise I’ll just keep wearing and enjoying business as usual 😎
great review!
Awesome review I love the Santos Medium and it’s high on my list. I was debating between the Santos and the Chopard Alpine Eagle. For the price/value, I think the Santos is a clear bargain/winner. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks
Chopard Alpine Eagle is awesome as well, I considered having both in the collection at the same time because to me they will wear differently. Plus the dials are completely different
Watch is class / looks great
Having a watch collection is hugely important (in my opinion)... I wear my £80 G-Shock if I'm scratching about... or my G-Shock Mudmaster if gardening, DIY, Camping... or G-Shock MRG for indoors banging about.
But for evenings I'll be wearing Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Cartier as the environment risk changes.
Then haute horology for flexing if required 😂
Nice ! Did you ever have issues with the bracelet pitching hairs on your wrist or pinching your skin ?
I never had issues with the bracelet pinching hairs or my skin, but then again due to genetics I don't got much arm hair lol
The problem is you scratched your watch with the way you clean it. Only use warm water and a micro fiber cloth you NEVER use anywhere else to dry and clean the watch. If you rub it with paper towels or clean it with a brush like in your video it is predestined to scratch. Also the way your scratches look does undermine my theory how it got scratched.
I don’t brush the bezel with the soft brush actually that’s scratched up just from lots of regular wear. Brush is good in between the links - especially after using an ultrasonic cleaner.
The disposable task wipers used in the video is used on camera lenses and some other watchmakers recommended it to me, but yes you can avoid paper towels if you are worried specifically on high polish areas. Usually micro fiber cloths are okay especially on the bracelet, but just have to be careful if there’s anything stuck on the cloth that can scratch the watch too.
I have a medium as well, and my wrist is 7.25 inches. The large dial is less clean with the date, it feels like an imperfection, doesn’t feel as symmetrical as the medium.
Another thing that is absolutely gorgeous is the white they use : it’s not 100% white, it’s silver white. And depending on how the sun hits the dial, you get 100 different shades of white.
Also, this is the most iconic and comfortable integrated stainless steel bracelet. A true homage to the aviation industry, feels like wearing a fuselage.
A few thoughts from my end: I have the medium as well, and it's a fantastic watch. The bezel can be easily polished without removing major amounts of metal for the hairlines using a Cape Cod cloth, and 100% agree a micro adjustment in the bracelet would have been MUCH APPRECIATED.
I noticed you dried your watch with a paper towel. Those paper fibers will scratch that bezel quite easily. Your best bet is to use a microfiber with high fiber count (> 400). Also, a camera lens blower works well to remove excess water in the bracelet. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks for the tips! Will check out the microfiber cloth as well
@@MinuteMon Cape cod cloth is the last thing to use on a watch. They take off lots of metal, I mean A LOT, and leaves a roundish uneven appearance. No watchmaker uses this. Its total crap. Use only if you want to ruin your watch.
Delugs doesn’t sell the Santos strap anymore. Do you recommend another company?
I could never own a Santos. First, because of the scratches. Second, and most importantly, I cant take that many misaligned screws. That would make me mental. Just make the screws align.
Happen to come across this video of yours in my feed. I really like the design of Santos and would like to get it at some point in my life (preferably while I'm still young enough), and I would opt for the medium because it's the elegant size to an elegant watch (my small wrist also plays a part). Interestingly, I'm also considering a used Aqua Terra as my next watch for 2 reasons : I need a bracelet summer watch (which Santos also fits), and Omega AT is a watch I can resell at comparable price to what I buy it used for. From that, we share quite a lot of similarities. I will most likely buy the AT first, after the economy is done kicking my ass.....
Both great pieces 👍🏼
I’ve owned this watch since July 2021. I have MAYBE one faint scratch. Idk what y’all are doing. Clothing doesn’t scratch it.
I have the medium too, but no scratches because I'm super-careful and it's rotated with other watches. I'd like a larger size, but I wish they did the large one without the date complication, which I think spoils the dial.
Yeah I love no date on the Cartier Santos - feels well balanced
I have one and my conclusion is, the cartier santos is not a daily watch. It's a watch you can wear only with suit for event. The watch is amazing, beautiful but realy fragil.
No matter how high quality or "Cartier quality" it may be, at the end of the day it is a stainless steel bezel, so it will scratch as any Casio would.
What a great idea to make a 1 year review. I saw your first review and decided to get the medium santos. I had the santos 100 years ago and it was so large and bulky on my 7.25 inch wrist that I traded it in for a Rolex . Cartier makes such Classic watches the large thick case Didn’t look like something cartier would design . The medium feels a little small but it’s so classic and looks more like the original 1904 santos. When you have small scratches all over the bezel as you now have, the patina looks amazing and adds so much more charm to the watch. Keep up the great videos.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I have nothing to hide with my bezel scratches and like you said, it makes the Watch more beautiful. Hope more people can enjoy their watches and not worry about the scratches along the way
Excellent review!! 10 of 10!!! Thank you!
It's a shame it scratches so easily, that's the only thing that puts me off of buying it.
Same here... The design is beautiful, but I don't want to buy it because it's a scratch magnet. Maybe in the future, Cartier will make them with some sort of protective coating.
@@Zadkinz I hope so 👍
Looks sick in the gray straps
I want a panthera just need to win the lottery
I'm diggin' it, man. I like it don't you know.
I have a 7” wrist and went with the medium too. The large fit fine but it didn’t seem as Cartier.
Agreed!
Large gives a more versatile and sporty feel imo
I would love to see a 2 year update ❤
I was really set on getting the pvd blue... but man seeing how well the santos looks on a strap... i just don't think grey would work on the blue bezel.
I love the classic white dial, that’s always my first choice 😁
No way. I have been eyeing the Santos for a few years but I just can't deal with scratches like that. I heard it was bad I had no idea it would be that bad. Looks like its the blue or DLC bezel for me. PS Cartier could fix this issue permanently by using tungsten carbide for the bezel like Omega does on some watches.
Scratches = "it was loved" .... let it be loved.
Great video. I just bought a large. Where did you get the Cartier soft box at around 9:45 in the video?
What is the name of the strap @8:04? It’s Gorgeous
What a terrific review. The Q & A portion asked relevant questions and you knocked them out of the park. Quick Cartier question though. I have a Large Tank on brown calf I use as my dress but I’m contemplating the XL on a bracelet cause it looks amazing. I have 7in wrists so it’s the only way (with bracelet) that it doesn’t look too big, especially if not worn as a dress piece. Do you think having 2 tanks in a modest collection is being ridiculous? Thanks bro!
Dude, for the bezels you can literally just buff it yourself. Get some polishing paste and rub it with a tissue, I did this on my steel iPhone frame and it works just fine. Also, doing this barely removes any metal, you shouldn't worry about it, you can do it yearly no problem.
A smashing watch but a real scratch magnet I'm afraid. Please don't use a toothbrush cleaning it as that's where most of your micro scratches are occurring. You don't need expensive Cartier cleaning fluid on the bracelet. Warm soapy water and a micro cloth will be fine.
I mainly use the soft brush for in between the links, my bezel is scratched up already just from regular day to day wear and not babying it anymore. Warm or cool water is good, I would be careful submerging the case in soapy water for the gasket though! Thanks!
The white dial is a sure choice. But I have absolutely no legbility problem with the blue one whatever the light conditions are. I even find it very convenient for my life style : yesterday i was driving in a tunnel and I checked the time. The lume gave it to me right away.
What depends on the light conditions is the color blue. Most of the time the dial seems black, then the blue reveals itself sometimes. Magic!
Good review thanks. Did you consider the 2 tone and if yes why did you chose the stainless? I imagine the bezel of the 2 tone is even softer and will show more scratches.
Yes! The two tone was also a super top contender, but the steel version won for me mainly because with the neutral gray, white, black and blues it was easier to wear without thinking too much
Thanks for the info a watch to avoid untill they fix they scratch issue.
Cartier doesn’t consider it an issue, just like when you buy an aluminum Rimowa luggage - it’s meant to scratch.
Love the tip about keeping the 6 o'clock side a little shorter than the 12.
I had my Rolex DJ polished whilst it has been serviced. I regrettet it the moment, I saw it. It was perfect, but all the memories blanked out. My advice: Don’t do it. Cheers, love the vids! 🤙🏻
I just ordered the Santos medium with the subtle green dial, I think it is timeless in design but also a bit different with the green dial and strap. Thank you for your reviews and update.
Hello ! Just a simple question ..... as aftermarket will be possible to buy (and mount ) the gold bazel ? Without buy the bracelet, I mean .....
Looking for one of these in a medium for my 18th. Would be upgrading from my tag heur aqua racer to something more elegant. Everyday I fall more in love with the santos
I am selling mine for 4800 plus shipping if you are still looking
I have the large model with the blue dial and use cape cod polishing cloths. It looks like new. Any small scratches just polish out.
If you ding it really badly and take out a chunk that a polishing cloth can’t remove, Cartier will just replace the bezel every service anyway.
Enjoy the watch.
Love the santos even though it scratches like crazy
That’s the double edge sword of the Santos 😆
Get a bezel protected by a film for only USD 30 at centralwOrld, Bangkok.
Great video. I own a Rolex however I would definitely consider buying a Cartier and an Omega. I like the styling of both watches. Thanks for sharing.
Random question - love the watch and that white/green shirt. Where’d you get the shirt from?
Shirt is from Zara, thanks for watching!
or you just put protection stickers and protect your watch :)
just picked up the xl santos chronograph adlc bezel what do you think of this option?
it looks like the casio A700WEV-7AVT. Money cant buy taste huh
How do you clean a waterproof watch with a strap or rubber? Leave it on your wrist while showering!
Take that bracelet off and put it right into an ultrasonic cleaner with a plastic basket with a drop of soap and problem solved in 3 mins!
You have so many scratches on it, are you construction worker?😮