Debuting at SIHH 2018 as a fresh and modern take on one of Cartier's many iconic models, the Santos, the Santos De Cartier is an exciting timepiece that has recently undergone a well-deserved explosion in popularity. Tastefully revamping the Santos' design language to pay homage to the iconic history of the collection to which it belongs, the Santos De Cartier has played an important role in popularising Cartier’s modern creations in recent years, while also bringing one of its most important models to the forefront of the horology. With a large array of variants, the Santos de Cartier speaks to the design strengths of Cartier with its variety of sizes, colors, materials, and more, all aiding in its growing popularity. Offered here, we have the ref. WSSA0039 – a large-sized ADLC (Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon)-coated stainless steel variant that boasts a 39.8mm square-shaped case, a signature Cartier dial design with white Roman numeral, and black hands atop a black backdrop and a wonderful automatic cal. 1847 MC movement. Of course, as a result of this movement the ref. WSSA0039 measures in at a rather thin 9.38mm tall and thus references Cartier’s past as a creator of all things elegant with regards to their other watch collections and jewelry. Combining the Santos de Cartier’s heritage-inspired design with modern watchmaking excellence, the WSSA0039 showcases Cartier’s capacity as a modern watchmaker to create impressive designed, with its black rubber strap including a design imprint that makes it look like a metal bracelet, complete with real screws that cap off its look as the final cherry on top.

Watch is in overall very good condition. The DLC-coated steel case shows surface scratches and some wear to the finish, including a few pinprick marks and a more noticeable scratch to the lower right lug, while the case back retains well-defined engravings with some wear visible to the screw heads. The dial and hands remain like new. It is fitted with a Cartier rubber strap and a steel deployant clasp, both remaining in excellent condition, and includes an additional strap and tool. Comes complete with box, warranty, and booklets.

A wonderfully designed timepiece that blends tradition with a forward-looking ethos, the Santos de Cartier successfully celebrates Cartier's heritage while also enabling them to remain relevant and up to date on current market trends. We especially love the quick-release bracelet on these newer Cartiers that make the strap switching a breeze.