Cartier Santos Medium

A stunning watch, I love it. I had the first scratch on the bezel after less then 24h. You will get sad then for 1-2 days, then you are used to it. I don't care anymore. It has now multiple scratches, some just at the surface, some deeper. I own it know since over 2 years. Some day it will look brushed :)

The only downside is the bracelet w/o any micro extension system. You have to add or take out a whole link. So you are lucky if it sits right.

If you like the watch, go for it!

Excellent choice a Santos is one of my lux watches ill own some day....   just not today.   You will always have regret from a casio to what ever.....   buy what you like you can never go wrong.   If you dont like it,   you can always sell it.   The depreciation is the cost of renting it for a time.  For the Santos, it wont be much if any.

Thanks both Pascal &easymoney, appreciate the comments. 
 

very valid on the whole buy and sell later if not happy.

Thanks for the picture Pascal, lovely watch. I’m thinking about the leather that comes with it day to day, a great summer alternative. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed and as you say after a few days the scratch Element will be fine. 
 

had much use on the leather ?

I had a similar concern with scratches, so I opted for the large version with the ADLC bezel. I've had it for just over 2 months, and still can't see a single scratch. 

I was originally concerned that the large version would be too big for my 17cm (6.75") wrist, but after trying it on, I felt that it was nearly perfect in size (I haven't tried on the medium).  I also like the idea of having the date display, since Cartier has been able to include it without impacting the symmetry of the dial.

The Cartier QuickSwitch strap system is awesome. I still haven't decided if I prefer the SS bracelet of the rubber strap, so I find myself  frequently swapping between them since it's so quick and easy to do. I agree with @Pascal concerning the bracelet adjustment.  The SmartLink makes sizing the bracelet super easy, but with no half links or micro adjustments, it can be hard to get a perfect fit. I'm lucky that I've been able to find a decent fit, but if my wrist swells during the day, the bracelet can end up feeling a bit too tight. I don't have the same issue with the rubber strap, which fits perfectly for me, and is extremely comfortable.

When I first received mine, I was in love with it and wore it pretty much every day for 2-3 weeks. After the novelty wore off, I started just wearing it in rotation, but it still sees considerably more than it's fair share of wrist time. There are some days where it just doesn't appeal, so I don't think it would be ideal for someone looking for just one watch, but as part of a collection, I feel it's an awesome choice.  

In addition to the advantage of the ADLC bezel, one of the reasons that I opted for the black dial was versatility - I feel that of the available models, it is the one most capable of being suitable for both dressy and casual wear. 

It is one of my favorite watches in my collection, and I have absolutely no regrets about buying it.

Best of luck with your decision.

Have it, but don’t wear it often as it definitely wears more dressier than sport.  As Pascal said, it will scratch by looking at it the wrong way, but you get over it quickly. The bracelet sizing is great, but fit is tough and I do find the bracelet can be a little sharp if you like to wear your bracelets on the snug side.

Very helpful and appreciate the time. Love that black version, very different to your usual watch out there. I tried the large on and with my small wrist it didn’t sit right but did love it’s presence. 

Thanks for that, yeah im getting the impression it’s not the best for day to day function if you’re planning on keep it For more dressy occasions. 

I’ve been thinking about getting exactly that same watch. I went to the AD and tried it on, it wears amazing. But I have exactly the same concern as you, it will be a scratch magnet for sure.

I know your pain my friend, I’m used to bezel watches and a young child trying to rip them off so I thought the polished bezel would spark a debate. congrats on the DJ36, which One you get? 
 

@wonkabarwatches 

Glad it’s not just me, I tried it on yesterday. Love it just worried about the scratches as you say. Imagine if they allowed for changeable bezels !

I wear here and there on the leather, I would say in 20% of the cases. It looks quite good on the leather, is very comfortable and the clasp is great, however the bracelet is so unique out there, they you always want to see it on the bracelet.

I don’t know why the Santos is so popular. I think it’s ugly. The Drive de Cartier looks much better IMO. 

Looks great, very versatile 

Nice alternative for sure 

Got passed the scratched phase. I’m simply enjoying the watch now. I have gotten mine in large two tone. The watch looks so much better worn and adding scratches to it is just simply building an unique character exclusively to you. 

@allthegearandnoidea thanks For that, glad you’ve enjoyed it and totally agree with your comment about going for a medium. a bulky Cartier would be like getting a small diver, makes no sense for me personally. 

I was literally at my local ad today trying on this watch. Beautiful on the wrist. They had a large in ss, white dial , bracelet and also a medium in red gold on leather. They both looked fantastic but if I had to choose I would have taken the medium in gold but the SS large did look great imo also. If I had to choose between a ss medium and large I would go for the large b/c I think the ss can carry some extra size while the gold in the bigger size would be a bit much. I have a 7 inch wrist. Beautiful watch though. All th sizes 

I very nearly pulled the trigger on the Santos large. I'm concerned about the scratches as well. I can say due to the slimness of the case provides some protection. Something I considered doing was picking up a spare bezel and brush it with my dremmel or keep it as a spare polished version I could swap out from time to time. You can pick them up for about $150 on the Fleabay.

Thanks ! Yeah a very good idea. 

@Michael , on a personal note, this is a watch that's on my wish list, and I share your concerns to a degree.  One look told me the Santos would be a scratch magnet.  After some soul searching, I realize the scratches will bother me, but I'll still be able to enjoy the watch.  I don't ever buy anything I don't feel comfortable using, and I know I can buy this watch and enjoy it despite the scratches.  Now if I can just figure out how to pay for it...

@thekris yeah thats Exactly it, half of me thinks I’ll embrace the scratches but the other half feels as if Cartier is more dressy so therefore should be kept relatively clean/pristine. 
 

im wondering If the two tone is any better and/or a big discount would make it more acceptable (AD said it’s possible). 

Scratches and all - still love it!

@allthegearandnoidea looks great, hard to see the scratches here. 

Exactly. Enjoy!

looks great.   Is that a Cartier or delugs strap?

It is the original strap delivered with the watch.

What kind of deal should one be aiming for?

Oh interesting, it looks darker than the one's I've seen. Awesome

What was your conclusion here! The Santos Medium is also on my radar down the line - hoping to get the Rolex 124270 first but always keen to hear people’s thoughts on the Cartier. I think if and when I get it, it’ll be reserved for special occasions but then again the watch should be enjoyed so I’m torn (not that I have to decide on anything since I’ve got nothing now) but always fun to engage in thought experiments with watches I don’t even have yet!

If I were to get a Santos then for sure it would be the Medium.  If o have enough unlimite  I'd be tempted to also get a dressier Santos-dumont too so I could have the best of both Santos worlds