Cartier Santos Stainless Steel

The Stainless Steel Santos Collections: A Comparison

The Santos name is used for two different watch lines from the company. The distinctions between these two product lines is important to note for consumers, so that they can find the best fit for their needs.

The Santos de Cartier (Stainless Steel)

1. Modern interpretation of the original design with a bold, sporty aesthetic
2. Integrated steel bracelet with exposed decorative screws
3. QuickSwitch system allows tool-free strap changes in seconds
4. Powered by automatic movements, including the in-house Caliber 1847 MC
5. Available in Medium (35.1mm) and Large (39.8mm) case sizes
6. 100-meter water resistance suitable for swimming and water sports
7. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

The Santos-Dumont (Stainless Steel)

1. Slimmer, dress watch proportions closer to the 1904 original
2. Refined profile designed for formal and business settings
3. Traditionally paired with leather straps, though steel bracelet versions exist
4. Beaded crown guards add vintage character
5. Equipped with high-autonomy quartz or manual-wind movements for ultra-thin cases
6. Various sizes including larger rectangular formats
7. 30-meter water resistance for everyday splash protection

Cartier Santos Stainless Steel: Key Specifications

The Legacy of the Steel Santos

In 1904, Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviator. The Santos watch, as it would become known, was not just a watch for the aviator, but it was the model for the wristwatch as we know it today. Cartier designed a wristwatch, for the first time, with a focus on function over fashion, creating a watch with a square case that put the hands in easy view.

The stainless steel Santos in its current form only began to take shape in the late 1970s and early 1980s with Cartier's re-launch of the model, this time with the look of a sports watch. It was during this period that the model of the integrated bracelet steel Santos came to be, and it is with these watches that the Santos name helped set the standard for the now established luxury sports watch category, in company with many similar offerings from other major brands of the era. The exposed screws on the bezel and bracelet are tell-tale design elements that have been successfully assimilated in its industrial look with an underlying high degree of artisan finish. Stainless steel Santos watches of today carry on this legacy, to the watch collector a watch that can be worn for both informal and formal occasions and yet not sacrificing the ruggedness of a tool watch.

Pre-Owned Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Price

Pre-owned stainless steel Cartier Santos range in price from about $3,500 to $8,500, depending on several factors. The Santos-Dumont (with quartz movements and a slightly dressier look) tend to be in the lower half, while the Santos de Cartier automatic watches (with in-house movements, more complications) are at the higher end.

Condition is also a strong factor, with full sets including the original box and papers being more valuable than watches-only examples. Watches that have been bought recently and still have manufacturer warranties remaining can also sell for more than a typical example. There is a healthy pre-owned market for steel Santos watches as well. This is partly because the model is an icon and partly because Cartier is one of the top five most valuable luxury watch brands in the world in a 2023 Brand Finance survey. Buying a pre-owned watch gives collectors access to this heritage for a small portion of retail and the security of investing in a timepiece that has proven value retention.

Our Watch Experts on the Steel Santos

"The Santos de Cartier in stainless steel is one of the best all-purpose luxury watches you can own. It can be used as a casual weekend watch or for formal events. I like that it's built to take some actual wear, and it has a design pedigree that goes back to the very beginning of wristwatches."

- Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO, Bob's Watches

Why Buy Your Cartier Santos from Bob's Watches?

1. Certified Authenticity: Every watch undergoes rigorous authentication by our team of in-house experts with decades of combined experience
2. In-Stock & Ready to Ship: The exact watch shown in our photos is the watch you'll receive
3. 1-Year Warranty: Comprehensive coverage on all pre-owned watches we sell
4. Best Price Guarantee: Competitive pricing backed by real-time market analysis
5. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Shop with complete confidence and peace of mind
6. Transparent Condition Grading: Detailed descriptions and high-resolution images of every timepiece

Do You Have a Cartier Santos to Sell?

Sell a Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Watch at Bob's Watches Today! Free Appraisals. Sell your Cartier watch to us today. We'll give you a fast, fair, market-based offer. We have made it easy for you to sell watches to Bob's Watches. We provide FREE, no obligation appraisals. Just call or complete the online form to get started. Once we receive your watch we will expedite your payment. All payments are guaranteed and sent out the same day we receive your watch. All returns are free insured shipping labels. We'll even send you prepaid shipping materials so you can easily and securely send us your watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

The polished steel bezel will show fine scratches over time with regular wear, but this is normal for any polished metal surface. Many owners embrace this patina as part of the watch's character, though professional polishing can restore the original finish.The Medium measures 35.1mm and omits the date window for a cleaner dial, while the Large measures 39.8mm and includes a date complication at 6 o'clock. The Large also typically features a slightly thicker case to accommodate the date mechanism.The Santos maintains strong value retention due to its iconic status and consistent demand in the secondary market. While no watch should be purchased solely as a financial investment, the Santos has proven to be among the more stable luxury timepieces over decades.The Santos de Cartier with 100-meter water resistance is suitable for swimming and recreational water activities. The Santos-Dumont, with only 30-meter resistance, should be limited to handwashing and light splashes.Cartier recommends servicing automatic Santos watches every 4-5 years, while quartz models require battery replacement every 2-3 years. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and preserves long-term value.Yes, Cartier offers a wide range of replacement straps through authorized dealers, and the QuickSwitch system on Santos de Cartier models makes changing straps simple. Third-party options are also available, though using genuine Cartier straps is recommended for maintaining authenticity.