[Help Me Decide] Santos Medium vs Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Not my first time in a dilemma when choosing which watch to buy. But the first time it took me over a month and two trips to AD trying to make a decision. Here is a little background: I've been collecting watches for 4 years and went through a "flip fever". Recently I decided to slow down, fully enjoy what I already have instead of kicking that dopamine with new pieces. That being said, I'm looking to get a new watch as a "no-shame, truly-earned" reward (yes, I always had some kind of guilty when gifting myself unnecessary watches before) for myself this year since I landed a new job, went through an important life event, getting married to my best friend, and turning 35 yo.
Enough ranting and back to the topic. I've narrowed my options down to these two: Santos Medium and Chronomaster Sport (both in white). Before I list pros and cons for each one, here is a list of other watches in my collection: 1. White SMP 300, 2. Blue Panerai Luminor, 3. No Date Sub, 4. Moonwatch Hesalite, 5. Blue SeaQ (39.5mm), 6. Monta Skyquest Opaline, 7. Monta Noble Turquoise, 8. Farer Cargeigie Chrono, 9. Sinn U50 SDR, 10. Traska Venturer
Now pros and cons of the two watches in question.
Santos Medium
Pros:
Wears really comfortable on my 6.5"- 6.7" wrist
Iconic design that will never go out of style
Vastly different than all my other watches
Keeps value relatively well
Quick release bracelet and quick adjust links
The design is so clean that every time I see their pics online, I will stare at them for a while.
Cons:
Size is a bit small for my liking to be a sports watch. But Large model is too big I think?
Maybe a bit too dressy with the flashy bezel and medium size for my lifestyle and outfit? I almost never wear suits. My office day attire is usually jeans or joggers with tees or flannels.
This is one of the watches that I think looks better on others' writs than on my own.
Chronomaster Sport
Pros:
The fist time I saw it in person, I was stunned by it! And every time I tried it on, I think the designer behind it must be my long lost brother that I never knew about.
If I had both of these two models, I'm sure I would wear the CMS a lot more.
It feels very sporty, energetic and summery!
The movement with the display case back is so enjoyable to look at and take photos of
Don't have to worry about scratches on bezel
Cons:
Polished center links and subpar buckle
Potential issues with the 3600 movement
Could be just another sports watch in my collection after the honeymoon phase. Somehow "overlaps" too much with my white SMP300
13.8mm thickness doesn't bother me, but doesn't grant excitement either. (It wears much better than the SMP300 which has the same thickness)
Can't be worn in water because of the unscrewed pusher.
Ok, I think I've broken the record of the "longest choosing-my-next-watch post" on my first post on this forum. Thanks for reading. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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Santos, it's the most different to anything else.
It's the OG. 👍🏻
I have both of these watches. Love them both. The CMS gets more wrist time though. What potential issues are you referring to with the 3600 movement?
I have both of these watches. Love them both. The CMS gets more wrist time though. What potential issues are you referring to with the 3600 movement?
I saw quite a few owners mentioning the minute hand creeping forward when the chrono function is not activated.
I have both of these watches. Love them both. The CMS gets more wrist time though. What potential issues are you referring to with the 3600 movement?
I just took a look at your wrist shots. Looks like we have similar taste. If you could only keep one, would you keep CMS or the Santos? And btw, what’s your wrist size?
Definitely the Santos Medium. Such a classic and the perfect size for you. I don’t like the CMS, with its multi-colored and partially overlapping sub-dials and (imo) chunky and unrefined ceramic bezel. The Santos will age much more gracefully and is a lot more versatile as well.
Zenith easy!
Zenith all day…more of a Tank fan so it’s easy
I've tried on both and agree you can't go wrong. The pros outweigh the cons. I'd personally pick the Santos medium (and I think that's better than the large and I'm 7.5" wrist). I'll get it someday but my issue is I really want the two-tone gold and that's a bit pricey for what I'd use as a dress watch. Someday
Of curse the Zenith
I like the way you’re approaching this purchase. Listing pros and cons is great. When I was in the market, the Zenith chrono was in my top three. The El primero movement was very enticing but the overlapping subdials were simply a turnoff. I ended up with the RP Glassbox and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve had it for a year now.
I purchased a Santos de Cartier late last year, model WSGA0028. Medium but in RG with two straps. I wanted a rose gold watch and i love it. I have an 8” wrist and it fits me fine.(I think we’re so keyed into 40mm+ watches that anything less seems small.) I’ve worn it with jeans and a tee shirt, a dressy navy blue suit and even a tuxedo. I find it incredibly versatile and I would think a SS model would be even more so. I don’t think it’s particularly sporty in this size. In the large size with possibly a colored dial, I feel it looks more sporty but I found it just too big for me and I wanted something more versatile
I can’t really offer advice other than to say go with what makes you smile and feels most comfortable for your particular lifestyle.
I’d go with the Zenith without hesitation. I’m curious about the issues you mentioned on the El Primero. I haven’t heard any
Santos medium.
I've tried on both and agree you can't go wrong. The pros outweigh the cons. I'd personally pick the Santos medium (and I think that's better than the large and I'm 7.5" wrist). I'll get it someday but my issue is I really want the two-tone gold and that's a bit pricey for what I'd use as a dress watch. Someday
Do you think the Santos can pass as a sport watch instead of a dress watch?
Zenith
I’d go with the Zenith without hesitation. I’m curious about the issues you mentioned on the El Primero. I haven’t heard any
I’ve seen quite a few owners mentioning the minute hand on subdial creeping forward
Both the Santos Medium and Large look great on you, and either would be my pick over the Chrono Sport. They all look good on you.
If you’re buying Santos, it has to be the medium. I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to the zenith as they are too far apart in what kind of watches they are.
Zenith or medium Santos😉
I love chronographs. Easy decision for me. 🤠
Zenith surely
Zenith is a far superior watch overall. I have worn a non screw down chronograph from zenith in the sea - to swim - and everything was fine. if the watch says 100 meters, you're good. Zenith in person looks stunning you are correct. What potential issued with 3600 movement? Cartier is so ubiquitous... and a scratch magnet
Zenith for me as it looks awesome.
Santos whilst I feel Cartier are iconic, and I get people rave for the new Santos, it just doesn’t do it for (personally prefer the older 100 variants). Plus for ‘in-house’ the PR is rubbish, that bezel will also scratch just by looking at it.
Both are beautiful watches. Zenith is a watch of the cognoscenti so I'm not surprised it's getting more love here. Non watch people will have no idea what it is -their loss! But I think the Cartier is a beautiful dress watch, unlike anything else, it'd probably be my choice. Interesting how in real life we often choose between watches in different markets and aimed at different customers -we are human and it's an emotional decision in the end.
This will not be helpful but I picked up the blue dial Santos Large a few years ago, finally settled on a blue dial CS with a steel bezel. The Santos arrives with an extra strap and clasp while I had to order an extra strap and clasp from Zenith. If I had to repeat the process would just purchase the all black Santos still in large.
Both are beautiful watches. Zenith is a watch of the cognoscenti so I'm not surprised it's getting more love here. Non watch people will have no idea what it is -their loss! But I think the Cartier is a beautiful dress watch, unlike anything else, it'd probably be my choice. Interesting how in real life we often choose between watches in different markets and aimed at different customers -we are human and it's an emotional decision in the end.
I have a long relationship with Zenith watches but lately noticed a lot of folks picking the white dial CS, quite a few of my friends have been underwhelmed. Sadly I think they were hoping for a Rolex Daytona social experience. I opted for the blue dial with steel bezel.
Get the santos, add a nice suede strap to "dress it down" to an everyday watch.
Zenith is a far superior watch overall. I have worn a non screw down chronograph from zenith in the sea - to swim - and everything was fine. if the watch says 100 meters, you're good. Zenith in person looks stunning you are correct. What potential issued with 3600 movement? Cartier is so ubiquitous... and a scratch magnet
Minute hand creeping forward.
Medium Santos has my vote. It’s really different. But you can’t go wrong either way!
Get the santos Large. I have the same wrist size as you and it looks great! Try it at least to see.