2023 Cartier Santos De Cartier Large Model 40mm WSSA0018

Here we have a curvaceous 2023 Cartier Santos De Cartier Large Model 40mm WSSA0018 featuring a 40mm brushed and polished stainless steel case, the polished chamfer edge leads the eye towards the gently sculpted lugs, which perfectly support the bracelet, and a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of just 9mm ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist. Polished and brushed surfaces are expertly finished. On the right side, a heptagon crown is protected by crown guards with a blue spinel cabochon inset. The polished bezel now tapers towards the lugs for a seamless transition. Its use of screws in the polished bezel was intended to simulate the screws found on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. A slightly curved sapphire crystal protects the crisp white dial, and large applied Roman numerals radiate around the inner minute track, like the Paris roads radiating from the Arc de Triomphe. At 6 o’clock, a framed colour-matched date window. Elegant, slim steel thermally blued sword hands are complemented by a fine, tapered second hand. At noon, we have the Cartier motif, and at 6 o’clock, “Automatic” completes this sophisticated dress watch. On the reverse, a screwed-down solid case back includes the Cartier details engraved into it. Inside an automatic Cartier Cal. 1847 MC, 23 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, the in-house movement was first introduced in the 2015 Cartier Clé collection. It comes paired with its original Cartier 21mm brushed stainless steel bracelet with polished screw detailing and secured by a concealed push-button butterfly clasp; all links are included. The ‘QuickSwitch’ mechanism makes strap changing a breeze; you simply press a small tab underneath the watch band to release it from the case – no need for spring bars or specialist tools, ‘Smart link’ is a clever way to remove a link by depressing a button on the link you want to remove which releases a retaining bar (it doesn’t completely come out), then push the button on the above link to remove the required link, connect the remaining links back together and push the bar back in to secure it. The watch comes with its Cartier presentation box, bezel protector, swing tag and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Cartier box, bezel protector, swing tag and Cartier paperwork. It comes paired with its original ‘QuickSwitch’ Cartier 21mm brushed stainless steel bracelet with polished screw detailing and secured by a concealed push-button butterfly clasp; all links are included, plus an additional 21mm Cartier leather strap. The watch is from August 2023 and is sold in worn condition, but overall it is in very fair condition, as you can see. A full case and bracelet refurb can be provided at an extra cost on request. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

This Cartier Santos has to be the perfect modern classic example that ticks all the right boxes for those who enjoy a larger case. You have the iconic design that has gone mostly unchanged and has remained instantly recognisable, and in 40mm, this is a great size on the wrist if you enjoy a larger watch. The WSSA0018 brings the classic design into the modern era with a super-easy-to-use quick-release system for both the bracelet and the links in the bracelet. This example from 2023 comes with an additional Cartier strap in the box, with the option of the strap and the bracelet; this watch will cover every scenario you could throw at it. I would not hesitate to add this watch to your collection today!

Reference : 4072 / WSSA0018
Movement : Automatic Cartier Cal. 1847 MC
Age : August 2023
Year : 2023
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 9mm
Lug to Lug : 47mm
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1847, the renowned French jeweller Louis-François Cartier established Cartier in the heart of Paris, marking the genesis of a luxury brand that would resonate through the ages. Cartier quickly gained prominence among the aristocracy, earning a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs that appealed to society's elite. In 1898, Louis-François' grandson, also named Louis Cartier, joined the family business. His inventive spirit and keen sense of style were instrumental in expanding the brand's appeal beyond France and into the international market. One of his notable contributions occurred in 1903, when he created the first men's wristwatch, the Santos, inspired by his close friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This timepiece was revolutionary, representing a shift from pocket watches to wristwatches for men and was celebrated for its practical design. In 1902, Louis’ brother Pierre further cemented Cartier's prestigious status by opening a new branch on Burlington Street in London, enhancing the brand’s presence in the British market. 1907 marked a significant partnership with Edmond Jaeger of the esteemed watchmaking company Jaeger-LeCoultre. This alliance allowed Cartier to secure exclusive access to high-quality watch movements, significantly improving their timepieces' precision and quality. The Santos collection saw its first mass-production run in 1911, responding to soaring demand for this iconic square watch. Its design, characterised by its unique aesthetics, remained remarkably consistent for several decades. A pivotal redesign took place in 1978, introducing a stylish metal bracelet and a luxurious bi-metal version combining steel and 18-karat gold. A further reinterpretation occurred in 2004, with the launch of the Santos 100, commemorating the watch's centenary. In 1917, another iconic model, the Tank watch, made its debut. Inspired by the robust forms of American tanks used during World War I, the Tank is a symbol of timeless elegance. Its popularity grew rapidly, attracting attention from celebrities and cultural figures alike, including notable personalities such as Andy Warhol, Alain Delon, Clark Gable, Catherine Deneuve, and Duke Ellington. Cartier introduced a system of reference numbers for each model to combat the surge of counterfeit watches, ensuring authenticity and maintaining the brand's prestige. In the early 20th century, all of Cartier’s watches were handcrafted in France, with movements exquisitely produced by Jaeger. A significant turning point occurred in 1972 when a group of investors, led by the astute financial expert Joseph Kanoui, acquired the company. Under Kanoui's leadership, Cartier expanded its retail presence; in 1973, the first “Must de Cartier” boutique opened in Biarritz, followed shortly by another in Singapore, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury retail. Throughout the 1980s, Cartier diversified its portfolio by acquiring several non-jewellery businesses, including the prestigious watch brands Baume et Mercier in 1988 and Piaget and Alderbert in 1989. This strategic manoeuvre broadened their market reach and consolidated their position as a leading luxury conglomerate. The 1980s also saw the launch of the Pasha watch, which became an instant hit due to its distinctive round case, oversized Arabic numerals, and innovative chain connecting the crown cap to the case. This design choice reflected a bold move against the ornate watches prevalent among luxury brands at that time. In 2007, Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, a watch designed to counterstate the heavily embellished styles of its contemporaries. This model showcased a more minimalist aesthetic while maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship associated with the Cartier name, thereby solidifying its status as a hallmark of luxury and sophistication in the watchmaking world.