Week on the Wrist - A Santos de Cartier Medium in Paris
It was the Spring of 2020, early in the pandemic; fear and uncertainty took hold of everyone’s minds. Processing the death and suffering that spread globally in conjunction with the lockdown and non-existent travel, my siblings and closest cousins, probably like many here, took to a virtual hangout to help fill the void of social interaction to spend time with those most important to our lives. It was during one of these sessions that we said, “If we ever make it out of this pandemic alive, we should do a big trip together. Let’s go to Paris!”
As the pandemic progressed, we shared many of the things we wanted to see and do, especially for those who hadn’t yet been. In the excitement of planning and dreaming, I was reading up on some Parisian history when I read Wings of Madness, a biography about the Brazilian-immigrant Alberto Santos-Dumont and how he used the city of Paris as a his site to innovate and set historic records using not only the technology he created, but also the trademark ‘je ne sais quoi’ Parisian men are known for.
Having been laid-off from my dream job of 15-years, I had a severance and wanted to treat myself using a portion of it to close out a huge chapter of my life and celebrate a new one. I just happened to be in the market for a sporty, yet classic, integrated bracelet watch that would fit my small (6-inch) wrist and that’s when it all combined.
I tried-on, fell in love with, and bought the Santos de Cartier Medium in January 2021 but promised myself that I wouldn’t wear it until the trip to Paris. Due to the economic uncertainty, my AD gave a great deal at the old price (Cartier has since raised the prices on these since early 2022). It was excruciating to have the watch and not enjoy wearing it, but it did make the anticipation of our trip - of which plans were starting to solidify - much more exciting.
——
Well, we just got back from our trip at the beginning of this week and I’m happy to say it was a dream trip that has become reality in so many ways and there wasn’t a better wrist-based companion for the experiences. The Santos, like many other Cartier timepieces, just oozes the distinct Parisian style that balances masculine/feminine, hard/soft lines, and classic elegant sophistication so well. Many of the details can be found in the edifices and plans of the architecture, bridges, and statues.
Cartier’s design aesthetic is so synonymous to the design of Paris that I challenge others to find another watch brand that can convey, only through the design, the place in which it was born. With the history and heritage of not only Santos-Dumont, but also Cartier as a firm to boot, I have nothing but praise for my Santos de Cartier.
footnote: I originally posted this on Reddit and though there were some nice words by a few nice people, there really are so many toxic people out there that only want to bring people down. Thanks for being a kind group here on WatchCrunch 👍
Watch nerd focused on classic timeless pieces with undeniable heritage in a compact package.
This is everything watch collecting and ownership is, or should be about. I can't think of a better pairing than anything by Cartier and Paris.
This is everything watch collecting and ownership is, or should be about. I can't think of a better pairing than anything by Cartier and Paris.
You totally get where I’m coming from. Thanks. There are soooooo many toxic people on Reddit it’s unbelievable.
Good post and photos...Congrats, looks great on you!
You totally get where I’m coming from. Thanks. There are soooooo many toxic people on Reddit it’s unbelievable.
This is the only watch thing I’m into online and almost the only social media is. What exactly are people on Reddit on about? Like what was there about your story that anyone would have a problem with?
This is the only watch thing I’m into online and almost the only social media is. What exactly are people on Reddit on about? Like what was there about your story that anyone would have a problem with?
I have actually had enough and just deleted my account this evening. They pretty much randomly took jabs at whatever bit of info they extrapolate from my post just to come up with some bully-like rhetoric that just egged other bullies on. The standouts are:
Life’s too short to put up with that BS and I’d rather be socializing with other true watch enthusiasts rather than trolling fools.
Memories made. My day is better for having read your post. C'est magnifique.
Damn it… that Santos was an excellent choice and you pull it off in a way I couldn’t.
Seems that you went to Normandy to Mont Saint Michel as well - lovely.
As fine a pairing as wearing a certain watch brand on the moon (I forget which) :)
Bah, Reddit is overrated!
Twirls my fake moustache, pats striped t-shirt, beret, a nice scarf on my neck and proceed with the worst ever French accent
Welcome to WatchCrunch, where true brotherhood is celebrated, where all speaks about their one true passion, hon hon!
Give you a celebratory baguette and coffee 🥖☕
That‘s a great story to tell.
I love the watch also. However, I don’t share the same feelings for Paris as you unfortunately. I’ve been a few times and I’ve never felt a connection like I have with many other places in the world.
anyway if you’ve seen my recent post, I was debating whether I should buy this santos medium. I think you’ve helped me make up my mind.
I can't believe you managed to wait so patiently. Great story, this may be one of the most perfect story:watch:place one could ask for. If it was a Speedy or a Sub in Paris like that, it wouldn't hit the same. You couldn't have picked a better watch for this whole endeavor, and I don't even really love those Santos, but this is perfect. I think I'll always connect the Santos to Paris now. Cheers to living a life.
Thank you for the great post, I really enjoyed it 🙂 I applaud your discipline, not wearing the watch before.
Just where did you find Le Mont Saint Michel in Paris? 😛
Love this story. Beautiful watch man!
I love that watch, one day I will own one
Thank you for the great post, I really enjoyed it 🙂 I applaud your discipline, not wearing the watch before.
Just where did you find Le Mont Saint Michel in Paris? 😛
In the middle of the Seine, perhaps. Come see our miniature Le Mont Saint Michel? 😂
Thank you for sharing the amazing story and pictures. Cartier is my favourite watch brand and Paris has a special place in my heart. It's a shame so many bullies decided that your story was something they'd tried to step over to make themselves feel superior back over at the other place.
I really admire your patience, amost a year and a half of your Santos just within arms reach!
I'd love to be sporting a Santos around Paris
What’s that fuzzy tower thingy in the background? (Just kidding, folks.) Like @Dingus , I’m not a Santos (or Cartier) guy, but I enjoyed your story. My lovely wife and I have been to Paris twice and haven’t seen everything there is to see there. It’s a fascinating city.
The internet seems to be a magnet for nasty trolls. They are sad people.
Gorgeous pix - yup, a perfect match for Paris!
@Ichibunz wearing the hell outta those white pants!!
Yes, you will crush it with ideal Citizen pictures when u get over to a J-visit. Plane tickets not cheap, but amazing hotel deals abound as the tsunami of Chinese tourists has not returned, yet!
Here are my Seikos (including a Prospex Ginza no less!!!) visiting their birthplace in June 😉
Yeah buddy! I enjoyed my Santos in Paris last month too!
Welcome, great story and pictures. I hope this new chapter of your life is as wonderful as your memories of Paris. Impressed you could wait for the trip to wear the watch. It looks fine on your wrist and now when you wear it - you’ll always have Paris! Enjoy
Gorgeous pix - yup, a perfect match for Paris!
@Ichibunz wearing the hell outta those white pants!!
Yes, you will crush it with ideal Citizen pictures when u get over to a J-visit. Plane tickets not cheap, but amazing hotel deals abound as the tsunami of Chinese tourists has not returned, yet!
Here are my Seikos (including a Prospex Ginza no less!!!) visiting their birthplace in June 😉
Dude!! Awesome as usual!! 🍻
Yeah buddy! I enjoyed my Santos in Paris last month too!
Great minds…
Though I have the rest of my collection, it just felt so right to have a Santos in Paris right!?
Welcome, great story and pictures. I hope this new chapter of your life is as wonderful as your memories of Paris. Impressed you could wait for the trip to wear the watch. It looks fine on your wrist and now when you wear it - you’ll always have Paris! Enjoy
Thanks. Yes, very much enjoying this new chapter of my life, savoring life’s moments a bit more than before.
Great minds…
Though I have the rest of my collection, it just felt so right to have a Santos in Paris right!?
100%. I know it’s a Swiss made watch but historical provenance sealed the deal.
100%. I know it’s a Swiss made watch but historical provenance sealed the deal.
Swiss made but French designed. I think the design of Cartier pieces still comes from Paris. 🤷
Hi, can I just ask for your exact wrist size in cm/inches.
I saw you have the cartier de santos and I'm thinking of purchasing one. If you would be able to share a wrist roll that'd be amazing as well 🤝
Hi, can I just ask for your exact wrist size in cm/inches.
I saw you have the cartier de santos and I'm thinking of purchasing one. If you would be able to share a wrist roll that'd be amazing as well 🤝
My wrist is exactly 6-inches (15.24 cm)
Perfect watch for Paris! 😀
Wow great story and amazing shots! Looks great on you! I too, have a 6 inch wrist and having been eyeing the Cartier. I love the design and origin story behind it however, my hang up is that I know that polished bezel scratches VERY easily and I'm not sure I can handle that! How have the scratches been for you so far? I had plans to run the Paris Marathon next year in 2025 and pick up a Cartier in Paris to commemorate but I may not be able to do that anymore. Still thinking about the watch though! Keep rocking it!
Wow great story and amazing shots! Looks great on you! I too, have a 6 inch wrist and having been eyeing the Cartier. I love the design and origin story behind it however, my hang up is that I know that polished bezel scratches VERY easily and I'm not sure I can handle that! How have the scratches been for you so far? I had plans to run the Paris Marathon next year in 2025 and pick up a Cartier in Paris to commemorate but I may not be able to do that anymore. Still thinking about the watch though! Keep rocking it!
Honestly, dealing with scratches is more of a personal thing. I’m of the approach that scratches are part of every day life and actually gives the watch meaning/purpose. Sure micro scratches from pulling my hands in and out of my pockets have developed but nothing too ridiculous. I think it actually works with the industrial aesthetic of the exposed screws.