Getting the perfect fit for Cartier Santos
I am pretty sure the Cartier Santos bracelet fit is a problem for a lot of people. It is just an impossible task. One link removed the watch will be a handcuff leaving red bruises after a few hours of wearing. One link added the watch moves up and down my wrist like a piston.
After so many failed attempts (pieces of leather under the watch/bracelet, disassembled butterfly buckle, silicone scar tape, forms, etc), I’ve finally nailed it with silicone cabinet door bumpers.
I use the configuration with one extra link to be “too loose” and lopsided first. Then I placed three silicone dots on the buckle with locations shown the the 2nd picture(with the two of them on the blades of the buckle). The silicone dots will push up the buckle to create a “half link” effect.
If it is still too loose, I just add another one under the watch itself. It’s non-intrusive as I don’t feel it at all. It is so cheap I can replace it anytime I want. And it works so well I finally have the perfect fit!
I just want to share so that people who like Cartier Santos so much but could not wear them a lot due to the bracelet fitting can finally have an easy solution to enjoy the watch again.
Another way to deal with butterfly bracelets is to move a link from the 6 o'clock side to the 12 o'clock side so there's a little more pressure between the clasp and the watch itself. But yeah, not really a fan of butterfly clasps at all.
Very creative! 👏
Although kinda nuts that you have to go to such length just because they refuse to make half links or add micro-adjustment holes in the clasp. 🤨
Very creative! 👏
Although kinda nuts that you have to go to such length just because they refuse to make half links or add micro-adjustment holes in the clasp. 🤨
The Santos doesnt have half links? The fuck?
IMO the only place a butterfly clasp makes sense is on a formal dress watch that is only worn rarely. Any watch meant for daily or very regular wear needs a clasp with micro adjustment.
The Santos doesnt have half links? The fuck?
Nope, no half links. Cartier decided they are above that and they don't care about your comfort. 😂
Hard to believe there isn't a half link. That said, I applaud the effort and dedication and I am happy you got it how you want it. And that said, I think it looks better on a light brown strap anyway 😉
Love that you made it work 💪but it’s a shame you had to” make it work “ for that price
Did you try changing the clasp position on the bracelet? Butterfly clasp tend to work better if fit shape of wrist (so it lands flush flat to the bony part), which can make the bracelet look unbalanced if more links to either side. I wear my butterfly clasp bracelets with 4 less links on the 6 o'clock side. Anyways, great looking watch, worth the perseverance🍻.
In construction, a shim can fix a lot of issues. Good idea.
Genius 💪
You're spot on about the bracelet sizing. That's why I prefer the rubber strap so much. For me, on the rubber strap, it becomes my most comfortable watch to wear. 😁
Another way to deal with butterfly bracelets is to move a link from the 6 o'clock side to the 12 o'clock side so there's a little more pressure between the clasp and the watch itself. But yeah, not really a fan of butterfly clasps at all.
Tried it, it’s still too big. I actually placed the silicone dots after moving one link to be lopsided.
Did you try changing the clasp position on the bracelet? Butterfly clasp tend to work better if fit shape of wrist (so it lands flush flat to the bony part), which can make the bracelet look unbalanced if more links to either side. I wear my butterfly clasp bracelets with 4 less links on the 6 o'clock side. Anyways, great looking watch, worth the perseverance🍻.
I tried it, but it was not good enough. The silicone dots are the add-on after moving the link to be lopsided. It now fits perfectly.
I had no issue with my bracelet or leather strap. Maybe I got lucky.
IMO the only place a butterfly clasp makes sense is on a formal dress watch that is only worn rarely. Any watch meant for daily or very regular wear needs a clasp with micro adjustment.
VC Overseas have a butterfly clasp with extensions on both sides. It kinda works but its not perfect
Butterfly clasps look elegant, but you have a point, they must be a goddamn PITA to size properly, depending on the link size
Clever idea and thanks for sharing it! 🤝
I do not have the Santos, only have a Tank. But if I am going to get a Santos, I would hope that it comes with a micro adjustment feature. I'll save your post for future reference though. 🤝