The story behind this Santos de Cartier
In 1904, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont confided to his friend Louis Cartier that he could not tell the time whilst flying without letting go of the controls to take out his pocket watch. The jeweller designed a watch for him to wear on his wrist, with a square case and a bezel held in place by visible screws – one of the first wristwatches in history. More than a century later, the Cartier Santos retains this design. The current generation, relaunched in 2018, introduces the QuickSwitch system for changing the strap and the SmartLink link adjustment system. Unveiled in 2023, the WSSA0062 model features a green gradient dial on the large steel watch, lighter in the centre and darker towards the edges.
Case, movement and strap of this Santos
The steel case measures 47.5 mm by 39.8 mm and is 9.38 mm thick – proportions that slip effortlessly under a cuff. The square, mirror-polished bezel features eight visible screws, whilst the case middle and the tops of the curved lugs are brushed. The seven-sided crown is set with a faceted synthetic blue spinel, and a sapphire crystal protects the dial. This green gradient dial features Roman numerals, a railway-track minute track, a date window at 6 o’clock and polished steel sword-shaped hands coated with luminescent material. The calibre 1847 MC, a self-winding in-house movement with 23 jewels, beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 40 hours. Its name refers to the year the House was founded. The watch is water-resistant to 100 metres. The brushed steel bracelet, punctuated with polished screws, is adjustable via the SmartLink system and fastens with a Cartier-engraved folding clasp. A simple press of the QuickSwitch push-button located beneath each link is all it takes to swap it for the supplied green alligator strap.
Why this Cartier watch
On the second-hand market, this Cartier Santos offers the full configuration of the current model, with its two straps, two folding clasps and a manufacturer’s warranty that is still valid. The green dial adds a splash of colour without compromising legibility, thanks to the large Roman numerals and luminescent hands. Swapping from steel to alligator leather really changes the character of the watch – sportier on a metal strap, more formal on leather. The large model gives the square case a distinct presence on the wrist, whilst remaining less than 10 mm thick.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied as a full set, in its Cartier case and outer box, with the international warranty card valid until February 2025, the booklet, the brand-new green alligator strap and its steel folding clasp, two spare links and the tool supplied by Cartier. It has fine scratches on the polished bezel, but no dents or deep marks. The steel bracelet, its clasp and the dial are in very good condition. The bezel can be polished prior to handover, upon request, to restore a uniform finish.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by the Cartier manufacturer’s warranty, extended by the Cartier Care programme. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
