Cartier Santos in all-black ADLC. Sporty, yes! Rugged, no.
Inspired (and horrified at the same time) by @ScottsOnTime’s recent post (A Watch for the Great Outdoors) I re-evaluated my own Cartier‘s ability to be a GADA watch that can handle outdoor activities.
(Scott if you're reading this, much respect for your daring do!)
The ADLC clearly alleviates some issues with scratching like the standard Santos and pairing it with the accompanying rubber strap does get it into the ”sports” watch realm. Swap out for the black leather strap and I can easily transition to a nice dressy evening out without skipping a beat.
In fact, I took it with me on a recent resort stay and swam with it in a pool, and wore it to dinner by just changing the straps. Pretty cool. But there are limits to how far I’m willing to push the boundaries and circumstances I’ll wear it. It’s absolutely sporty! But I dare not test the “utility“ of the thing. Nope. Nope. Nope.
Yes, I have issues. The watch could be put into more situations and be fine (but I’d probably be a wreck). I feel better just letting it sit there on my wrist looking pretty.
Gen-X watch enthusiast. Into watches before I knew a damn thing about them or anything (maybe I still don't). An unabashed fan of Rolex and Cartier.
Hmmm… maybe another Challenge perhaps?! A Cartier challenge ? Hmmm 😉
This just made my day!! I think that your ADLC Santos is the perfect watch to get out there and see some action, the scratch resistant case makes for the perfect excuse to go anywhere and do anything with such an iconic design on your wrist.
you’ve got a taste at how those straps make a world of difference, take advantage of that quick change system! although my tank solo has it too, your Santos definitely casts a wider net as far as the adventures you can take the watch just by doing something as simple as a swapping a strap.
but I agree, taking a watch too far off the deep end for “tool watch“ sake is something that every watch owner has to balance, no matter what‘s on their wrist. But if you ever get the urge to get up and go fishing, I hope to see that Cartier on your wrist!
These are so comfortable if you have Not yet tried one on.