Pre-owned Cartier Santos
A square case, visible screws and a bracelet that flows into the case. Here is how to choose a Santos well, and what we check before one is listed.
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Send us the Santos reference and your budget, and the desk will search for it and write back. Nothing is paid until the price and availability are confirmed.
- Quote first. Nothing is paid until you approve it.
- Same checks and 2-year warranty as the case.
- Watches $2,000 and up.
Buying a pre-owned Cartier Santos
Know the generations
The Santos de Cartier you see in the boutique is the 2018 redesign.
Medium or large
The current Santos comes in more than one size.
Bracelet and quick-change system
The current Santos bracelet can be resized without tools, and the strap can be changed quickly.
Bezel and case condition
The bezel screws and the case edges are what polishing erodes.
Which one is for you
If you want a daily watch
The Santos de Cartier in steel on its bracelet is built to be worn and is easy to dress up or down.
If you want something showy
Look at the Santos Skeleton, with its open movement, or a pavé version for more presence.
If you like earlier designs
The Santos Galbée, Octagon and Santos 100 are earlier takes on the same idea, each with its own character.
Questions
Santos or Tank: how do I choose?
Choose the Santos if you want a sporty square watch with a bracelet that feels part of the case. Choose the Tank if you want a slim, formal rectangle for a strap. They are both easy to recognize, so it comes down to how you dress.
Which Santos size should I buy?
Compare the case length and width to your wrist. The medium usually suits slimmer wrists, and the large suits broader ones. If you are unsure, send your wrist size to the desk.
Is a quartz Santos worse than a mechanical one?
No, it is a different choice. Quartz is simple and accurate, and mechanical gives you a movement to enjoy and service. Ask the desk, or check the listing, so you know which movement you are buying.
Does the Santos Galbée differ from the current Santos?
Yes. The Galbée is an earlier design with a curved case, and the current Santos is a 2018 redesign with different proportions. Check the reference on the listing.
Does a missing box or papers matter?
It matters for completeness, but not for how the watch performs. We show clearly what comes with each watch.
Do your Santos watches have a warranty?
Every watch we sell comes with a 2-year store warranty on the movement. It is our warranty, not Cartier's, and we are an independent dealer, not affiliated with Cartier.
How is it shipped and can I return it?
Shipping is free, insured and overnight on orders of $1,000 and up, with signature required. Unworn in-stock pieces can be returned: you have 7 days from delivery to start a return.
Downtown Los Angeles, by appointment. Mon–Fri 10am–6pm Pacific.
(213) 373-4424Visit the showroom
