Pre-Owned Cartier Santos
The Santos de Cartier
A used Cartier Santos connects to the beginning of the wristwatch itself. In 1904 the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont told Louis Cartier that a pocket watch was useless in an aircraft, where both hands stay on the controls. Cartier’s answer was a square-cased watch worn on the wrist, generally recognised as the first purpose-built men’s wristwatch made in series.
The design elements established then remain: the squared case, the exposed bezel screws, the Roman numeral dial. The integrated bracelet arrived with the 1978 Santos de Cartier, and the collection ran through several generations before Cartier discontinued it in 2016. It returned in 2018, redesigned around the in-house Calibre 1847 MC with the QuickSwitch strap system and SmartLink bracelet adjustment.
Why Buy a Used Cartier Santos?
Several Santos generations exist only on the secondary market. The Santos Galbée, produced from 1987 and phased out in 2005, introduced the curved case that many collectors still prefer. The Santos 100, made from 2004 to 2017 to mark the collection’s centenary, brought larger proportions and a range of case materials. The Santos Demoiselle offered smaller quartz-powered cases. None of these are in production, and all are found pre-owned.
The current generation is also well represented on the pre-owned market, including configurations and dial colours that have since rotated out of the lineup. For buyers who want a specific combination of size, metal, and dial, the secondary market is usually where it exists.
Santos Sizes
Size is the most common question buyers ask about the Santos, and the square case is the reason. A squared watch wears larger than a round watch of similar width, so the numbers alone can mislead.
Medium. The current medium measures 35.1mm by 41.9mm. Despite the modest width, it wears closer to a 39mm or 40mm round watch, and it is the size most buyers choose across a wide range of wrist sizes.
Large. The current large measures 39.8mm by 47.5mm and makes a considerably stronger statement. It suits larger wrists and buyers who want the Santos to read as a sports watch.
Earlier generations. The Galbée, Santos 100, and Demoiselle were produced in their own size ranges, including cases both smaller and larger than the current lineup. Measurements should be confirmed reference by reference.
Trying both current sizes on is worth doing, since the square case makes the difference more pronounced than the specifications suggest. You can schedule an appointment to compare them in our showroom.
Materials and Variations
The current Santos is produced in stainless steel, steel and yellow gold, solid yellow gold, and rose gold. Black ADLC-coated versions, titanium, and skeleton dial references extend the range further, and dial colours have included blue, green, and grey alongside the standard silvered opaline.
Earlier generations covered similar ground. Two-tone steel and gold configurations were closely associated with the collection through the 1980s and 1990s and remain widely available pre-owned.
Pre-Owned Santos Prices
Pre-owned Santos prices vary primarily by generation, size, and metal. Steel references from the current 2018 generation generally sit in the mid four figures to low five figures. Two-tone and solid gold examples run higher, and skeleton, titanium, and limited configurations higher still. Earlier generations, including the Galbée and Santos 100, are typically more accessible, though condition and completeness affect them considerably.
Original box and papers add measurably to value across the collection. Our inventory changes regularly, so contact us if you are looking for a specific size, generation, or configuration.
Authenticated and Serviced In-House
The Santos is among the more frequently counterfeited Cartier references, and earlier Galbée and Santos 100 examples are common targets. Every pre-owned Santos we sell is examined by our on-site watchmakers, who verify the movement, check reference and serial numbers, assess bezel screw alignment and case finishing, and inspect the bracelet and clasp against factory specifications. Water resistance is tested where applicable. As an Authorized Cartier Watch Dealer, our team works on these watches regularly, and every pre-owned Santos carries our two-year warranty.
Related Collections
Considering the wider catalogue? The Panthère de Cartier shares the square case and screw-set bezel in a smaller jewellery watch. The Ballon Bleu offers a rounded alternative. You can also browse our full range of pre-owned Cartier watches.
How much is a used Cartier Santos?
Steel references from the current 2018 generation generally run from the mid four figures into the low five figures. Two-tone and gold examples cost more, and skeleton or titanium configurations more still. Earlier generations such as the Galbée and Santos 100 are typically more accessible. Condition, completeness, and original documentation all affect the final price.
Should I buy the Santos medium or large?
Most buyers choose the medium. At 35.1mm by 41.9mm it wears closer to a 39mm or 40mm round watch because of the square case, and it suits a wide range of wrist sizes while sitting easily under a cuff. The large, at 39.8mm by 47.5mm, wears substantially bigger and suits larger wrists or buyers who want more presence. Trying both is worthwhile.
What is the difference between the Santos and the Santos-Dumont?
The Santos de Cartier is the sports model with an integrated bracelet, automatic movement in current references, and 100m water resistance. The Santos-Dumont is a separate, slimmer collection closer to the 1904 original, typically on a leather strap with a quartz or hand-wound movement and dress watch proportions. They share design heritage but are different watches.
Is the Cartier Santos Galbée discontinued?
Yes. The Galbée was produced from 1987 and phased out in 2005, replaced by the Santos 100. It introduced the curved case that gives the model its name, and it remains sought after among collectors who prefer its proportions to the current generation. It is available on the pre-owned market only.
What movement does the Cartier Santos use?
Current Santos de Cartier automatic references use Cartier’s in-house Calibre 1847 MC, with a 42-hour power reserve and 100m water resistance. Earlier generations used a mix of automatic and quartz movements depending on the reference and size, with the Galbée and Demoiselle offering quartz options.
How can you tell if a Cartier Santos is authentic?
Authentication involves verifying the movement, checking reference and serial numbers, and assessing bezel screw alignment, case finishing, dial printing, and bracelet construction against factory specifications. Current-generation models are harder to counterfeit convincingly because of the QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems, while older Galbée and Santos 100 fakes are more common. Every Santos at Precision Watches is verified by our in-house watchmakers.
Do your pre-owned Santos watches come with a warranty?
Yes. All pre-owned watches from Precision Watches include our two-year international warranty covering mechanical defects, with warranty work handled by our on-site service center.
Can I trade my current watch toward a pre-owned Santos?
Yes. We accept trade-ins toward any watch in our inventory. Our team evaluates the brand, condition, and current market demand for your watch, then applies the agreed value to your purchase.
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