AD Service

May 07, 2020,12:05 PM
 


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


More posts: Santos

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Recent acquisition:

 
 By: Modernahab : May 2nd, 2020-13:49
A bear to photograph, but in the metal, the gradient sunburst dial is terrific. ...  

Pictures and so on

 
 By: Weems@8 : May 2nd, 2020-13:53
Watches and pictures. Very good. In real it is different, anyway the picture is good enough to show the strength of your Santos.

Very nice [nt]

 
 By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : May 2nd, 2020-14:19

Classic design [nt]

 
 By: Gelato Monster : May 2nd, 2020-14:37

That's part of why I chose it when wavering between the Santos and the Drive with moonphase.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 2nd, 2020-14:46
100m vs. 30m water resistance was another factor.

Santos over Drive anytime [nt]

 
 By: Gelato Monster : May 2nd, 2020-17:13

My only Cartier with any kind of water resistance

 
 By: th.gr.ga : May 3rd, 2020-01:05
...is this Pasha with its somewhat unusual 260ft depth rating ...  

Blue - but damn near impossible to photograph.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 3rd, 2020-08:58
At least with my ancient iPhone.

Likely my next purchase

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : May 3rd, 2020-00:03
My essential features are : Thickness <=10 mm Date Bracelet / deployante Price I've seen a YouTube comparison with the latest VC overseas and the Santos is not as big as someone has said. Waiting for the lockdown to get loosen and the boutiques to open. C... 

I have to say, the black dial/DLC version looks great in renderings, and I would have been temped if it came out sooner.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 3rd, 2020-09:02
However, I’d wonder about legibility in the metal. I once had a black dial Drive, and it was near-impossible to read.

A superb watch and my favorite Cartier design.

 
 By: jlux : May 3rd, 2020-00:37
And you are absolutely right: a nightmare to make photos. Here some of my attempts. ...  

Your shots are FAR superior.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 3rd, 2020-09:03
You actually manage to catch the blue dial.

Did better this time, with the strap.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 3rd, 2020-16:35
Caught the blue... ...  

Congratulation on your new Santos

 
 By: Jari from Finland : May 3rd, 2020-07:25
Good choice and nice watch. I have similar TT model.

Santos 100 Blue

 
 By: Davidg : May 7th, 2020-01:46
I love this watch and I’m seriously considering it as my next purchase. Thanks for posting, you are helping me make my mind up! 👍🏼

My pleasure!

 
 By: Modernahab : May 7th, 2020-08:12
The new gray/ADLC bezel and all-black versions look pretty good, too. I think the new Santos design works especially well with a dark dial.

Cool watch

 
 By: Jurry : May 7th, 2020-04:31
The hour indicators are such more refined compared to the previous model. And the case looks much thinner to. Yet, the older version hasn’t lost its glory, far from that. It’s more like a retired warrior watching younger generations Mine says hi ...  

Cartier Santos

 
 By: Weems@8 : May 7th, 2020-04:39
Ahaa, I go to put also a Santos in my collection. Looking for a good AD, and than it’s mine. Great post Jurry.

AD

 
 By: Weems@8 : May 7th, 2020-13:10
Yes Jurry, i do not know the used watch AD in Amstelveen. I consider some AD’s. First i must decide which watch will be first, and i set an eye on a green Rolex submariner. Next i want a Bvlgari Octo Roma or a Bvlgari bvlgari carbon gold, Finissimo cerami... 

Ha yes I understand.

 
 By: Jurry : May 7th, 2020-23:18
Its just that you mentioned you were looking for good AD. This shop obviously isn’t an AD but I bought some nice previously owned Cartiers there and service was good (also after sales) and pricing was really fair and reasonable Sorry if I misunderstood. B... 

No thanks

 
 By: Weems@8 : May 8th, 2020-13:41
No Biertje. I drinking coffee ☕️ But it is good to buy a Santos or a watch at a seller who understand watches. I bought my Omega grey market, and it is a good watch trader. A trader who know where he can find watches to sell. A waiting list for Rolex watc... 

Thanks! I do think that the applied Roman numerals do a lot for the Santos. I'm curious to see the latest black dial and gray dial iterations in the metal.

 
 By: Modernahab : May 7th, 2020-08:14
Have to say, there still is something very special about the 100, but you're correct, at under 10mm, the new Santos wears really well under the cuff.

AD Service

 
 By: Jurry : May 7th, 2020-12:05
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 c...