Cartier

Jurry
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AD Service

My Santos was a gift (actually a trade for set of old women’s golf clubs) from a good friend.

He obtained it approx 10 years back brand new straight from the AD. He till then never wore a watch but decided to give it a try. He wore it for 4-6 months but couldn’t get used to it

So he put it back in the box, put the box in a storage cabinet (non airco) and left it there.

When we exchanged the clubs (he needed those clubs we had them gathering dust in the garage, he knew I like watches and suggested to swap) it had been inside that box for 9 years with summer blistering heat.

One evening he came over with the original Cartier box, papers everything. The box discolored not much but the cushion inside completely pulverized.

The leather strap was more or less mummified and could last another 100 years if only you could bent it.

The case of the watch was covered with scratches all over. It takes some talent to achieve so many scratches in only 4-6 months. I mean, you really must try hard then.

He wanted to wind the watch but fortunately I could stop him before he did so. I gathered the movement would probably be completely dried out to the last molecule of oil etc

It was in bad shape and honestly I thought it was worth far less then these old clubs.

I took it to Cartier in the mall. They have their own watchmakers and watchmaking department. And I ordered full complete service, polishing and new strap.

Less then 3 weeks later they called. Watch finished ready for collection
Went down next day and when they showed the watch I simply couldn’t belief it was the same watch. It literally looked like brand new.

They did a fantastic super job and the costs were really very modest and reasonably. No, correction, I thought the costs were ridiculously low. I asked if they were sure and maybe had forgotten to charge something. But no this was it.

So since that day I have this fantastic Santos 100XL, it’s big, it’s thick, it’s far away from the typical Cartier refinement etc but it’s one of the most iconic Cartier’s.

And the story above makes it even more iconic for me personal.

Thanks