My first watch was a Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It’s a watch that I can stare at for minutes at a time throughout the day. My next goal is a Speedmaster Moonphase.
Impeccable choice the Cartier Santos was the first wrist watch and Cartier has an incredible history with timepieces and watches, not only a beautiful piece but also historically significant.
I feel like the Cartier Santos matches the man you are now. Refined, slightly understated, and timeless. My first serious watches were the Tissot “Chemin de Tourelles” (midnight blue dial) and the Seiko Presage Raku (matcha green dial).
The Chemin De Tourelles is a great value for money! Good looking watch. I bought it from Jomashop for $200 for my brother’s birthday. It was his first automatic watch.
I found my dream watch while watching an episode of Magnum P.I. back when I was 11. I bought it off the shelf (hard to believe nowadays)when I turned 25. I’m 51 now, still have it, it is still my dream watch. It’s beat up, I wear it daily, gets it’s routine service, still looks amazing. I love watches, really want the Santos, but nothing can compare to what I have: Rolex GMT Master “Pepsi”. Always follow your dreams, there is no second guessing.
I was thinking about buying the Santos medium for a year or so and never pulled the trigger. But after watching your video I felt it like a sign so it might be my own-holiday gift this year. I loved how you explained this beautiful time piece :D thank you Tim!
Your journey is similar to mine. I started with Rolex, then discovered Grand Seiko, which are beautiful watches, but just too big for my wrist. Then the Santos caught my eye. I have yet to make that purchase as life has gotten in the way, so I have not had the time, but I intend to at some point. On a sidenote, I did pick up a datejust from 1966 and I wear it with a brown leather strap. I love that look because it’s very understated as I bought that (specific year) Rolex more for me, to feel good about wearing it,than for people to notice what I’m wearing. The Santos is a very good looking watch and it definitely works on you and your style. I thought it was great that you gave people other options for a similar look at a less expensive price point. Thanks for a great video!
look into a grand seiko elegance collection particularly sbgw231 or similar series they are 37mm and impeccably finished with great in house mechanical movement!
@@KG-er4zw What's your budget? A Tissot prx would be a great sub thousand dollar option. The Christopher Ward would be an awesome choice for around 1500, and something like a Nomos might work around 2-2.5k
@SaurabhPethe is right, it depends on your budget. It also depends if this would be your only watch and your lifestyle. Longines are going through a great phase at the moment and the Nomos Club Sports are fantastic. Oris are good too, and if you’re ok buying a watch from a new manufacturer (know as micro brands), then it’s worth looking at Farer and Mido. If you want just one watch forever and can afford it, you can’t go far wrong with an Omega Aqua Terra.
Must say I've never ever considered Cartier but i do love this watch, perfect balance between a dress watch and an everyday wear. Tim if you're getting into watches I think you'd love the Omega Constellation. Omega in general are my favourite watches Quality/ price ratio is one of the best.
the datejust is beautiful but honestly - everyone has one. The Cartier is one of the most beautiful watches ever made, and the overall design of it is just so much more interesting. I'm picking up my cartier santos tomorrow morning funnily enough!
I love the Cartier Santos, such a classy and timeless design. Sadly it looked terrible on my wrist so I ended up going with an equally-beautiful Omega Aqua Terra 15,000 Gauss. But it suits you just perfectly!
Excellent choice! I was on the waitlist for a Rolex OP 36 since 2022 and given up on that. I have a Cartier tank on an alligator strap and I think I’ll stick with Cartier. They don’t get enough credit because people will see it as a jewelry company, but they have an undeniable heritage and a design perspective that is uniquely, Cartier.
Not sure if i would consider you a watch newbie, you really do seem to know your stuff! And as a watch/style nerd with watches from Casio’s, G-Shocks and Seiko to Rolex, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin, etc I absolutely approve this message! I used to be a collector, but I liquidated my collection to venture into real estate. In January, I acquired homes in Malibu for $34 million, and the returns on investment far exceed what I earned as a collector. Great video glad I found this channel.
Great choice. I bought my medium Santos 2 years ago, and I have loved it. It has been my daily watch since then. How did you grow your portfolio to $45m, I'm impressed, I have a lump sum in the bank, the rates are not impressive so I'm moving it, whats your cash flow like?
I have a Seiko Presage Automatic, a Casio FW91 in matt black version and a Tissot PRX Quartz with a navy dial. My next watch is definitively going to be a either a Speedy or Santos. It looks beautiful on you, cheers mate!
Honestly never thought too much about a nice watch but maybe now I'll put more time into my next purchase. Thank you @Tim Dessaint for this video!! On a (slightly) unrelated note, have you ever thought about getting into fragrances? It's a deep dive worth taking for any fashion enthusiast imo.
Congrats for getting a magnificent piece of art Tim, really happy for you. Now that you are interested in the watch world just make sure to understand one thing. Don’t buy watches thinking about the profit you can make out of them after a period of time, buy watches because you appreciate the craftsmanship, heritage, brand, movement etc. plus make sure that they represent something important for you. Don’t be like the rest flexing about how much they made unless you are a watch dealer which I also respect. Just make sure to know why you are getting into the world of watches!
I used to be strong advocate of buy what you like and not what makes financial sence. While i still agree to that statement and i extend it by saying, when you buy something, wear it and enjoy it, dont keep it in a safe, i ve also matured and realise, value retention should also be a huge consideration factor. While all us watch enthusiast would love to buy all the watches we love and keep them forever, thats not how it works. Most of us, while financialy healthy enough to be able to afford a couple of good watches, we cant really affort to loose a tone of money on such an unimportant object. Im not saying you should buy watches to flip them, but knowing that your purchase will only result in loosing in loosing a few hundret bucks if not anything, is nice level of security and for some people, the only chance of owning a nice watch.
Congrats on your new Cartier, it's a beautiful piece and fits well with your style! It's nice to see that you're actually wearing and enjoying it. Don't worry about scratching it!
I love your evolution as a watch wearer. I remember commenting on one of your videos a couple of years ago about watches you liked to wear and you responded saying you were all into just the design and not the movements. Your pick is awesome. Cartier is just so cool. I wear a Cartier Tank too and love how it can be classy, classic and sporty at the same time.
You can go through the waiting list by slipping the dealer a $500-$700 "Tip". My friends and I discovered this on a whim. We figured that if we're already spending 7k on a watch, what's another 500 bucks as a service fee lmao. Great purchase, btw. The santos Dumont is one of my all time favorite models considering it's the first aviation watch (I'm a pilot by profession).
Great choice for your first luxury watch! Cartier Santos is absolutely classic! My first luxury watch is Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Great history, great design, great movement…, you name it!
Congratulations on finding a great watch! I just bought my first luxury watch today as well (Seiko Presage Purple Sunset). You are so right that watches are meant to be worn. Scratches are normal and part of life, no matter what the watch price is. I really like the watch you went for! The industrial touches, the square shape, the roman numerals, really appealing. It surely would have been a contender for me if I could afford it. I hope you enjoy this for years to come!
Tim, Thank you for choosing to save up for a luxury watch, especially the Cartier Santos, an impeccably stylish piece. Fitting for a man whose fashion sense is just as impeccable. You are the first of the "style-influencer RU-vidrs" who has finally bridged the gap between the watch fans and fashion fans. There has been a slight divide between these two groups for various reasons that I do not need to get into. I think your making this video will hopefully bring more people across both aisles into an elevated understanding of fashion and style. One thing I love about your choice is that you deliberately looked into a watch that matches your look and your style. So often you find that watch fans will go out and buy a watch that does correlate well with what they wear daily. You however made a correct decision in picking a watch that goes well with what you wear and you have made an investment by purchasing a luxury watch. This is what truly marks the difference between "wearing" and "styling" your watch, which you have achieved the latter so graciously. Hopefully, you will not be the last of fashion influencers to do this, I look forward to what everyone else in the fashion world brings to the table. P.S. I also love that you took the time to explain the watch's history, mechanics, and value. So often I think the issue for people is they cannot justify the price for "just a watch," the reality is that they are buying more than just something that tells time. They are buying a piece of history and that is something that they can pass on to their future generations.
@shahjahonsaidmurodov2086 I'm not sure if this is what he meant, but there has recently been a surge in "fashion watches." They're very low quality watches that are undeniably good looking watches, but have very low quality other than looks. Cheap quartz movements, bad quality control, and their extreme social media influence. Watches like MVMT, Daniel Wellington, etc are watch brands that all claim to be excellent watches at affordable prices. They're not. They're cheap $50 watches being sold for $300 because they pay celebrities to advertise it for them. They use terns like "revolutionizing the industry" and "cutting out the middleman." If you're every shopping for a watch and see those terms, run because chances are they're very low quality watches that are being sold for way more than they're worth.
Awesome video buddy. My very first watch was a Santos 20 yrs ago. It now looks a bit small but I won’t upgrade due its sentimental value. It’s in mint condition. Then in the middle of Covid I was able I get a Rolex Submariner no date. I wear it everyday and absolutely love it. I’m set for life !
Im turning 25 very soon, and I was hesitant in buying for myself a timepiece like a santos. I was looking at the market and found stuff that could be reasonable. Now when I told my father about the idea, he was strongly opposed to it, as this money could go into my savings for a property or other projects. Obviously it is the wiser choice than buying a watch, but your video definitely made me rethink the while situation 😅 absolutely loved it and congrats on the watch!
Just the adjustable bracelet itself is a HUGE selling feature. I also agree about the easily scratched bezel but thank god for polishing. I love adding hsitory with watch reviews. Great Video!!!
The secret cartier signature on the watch face blew my mind. My partner and I immediately paused and looked for it on her watch and there it was on the X Roman numeral. What an insane detail!!
Not sure if i would consider you a watch newbie, you really do seem to know your stuff!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 And as a watch/style nerd with watches from Casio’s, G-Shocks and Seiko to Rolex, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin, etc I absolutely approve this message!
Great suggestions for cheaper alternatives, I just want to add on as well that there’s a possible option to go vintage with a Santos Galbee for about half the price of a brand new modern Santos. Just be careful and well informed on the condition and buy from a reputable source.
I bought a watch from amzwatch lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.
Great overview. Appreciate your self deprecating humor! I, too, own the Santos de Cartier. Love it. Though I bought the large. And its depreciation is what it is. When we keep our watches, it doesn’t really matter what the secondary market is paying. Wear it in good health, my friend!
Knowing about Nico And still thinking about paying more than a grand for a Seiko, u have some Tim! On a serious note, great pickup, such a great classic!
Santos in spanish literally means Saints, while in portuguese would be something like sacred (saints=sagrado) so i think the link is accurate. In regards of surname both spanish and portuguese have the origen from this surname, so while Santos Durmont was Brazilian and the surname came from his mother, the actual origin of the surname isnt brazilian.
Great video on watches and especially on the Cartier Santos, truly an incredible piece. My absolute grail watch would be the cartier santos skeleton with the micro rotor (released in 2023) in monochromatic steel. I also really love the Omega Seamster collection, especially the Aquaterra with the small seconds.
Yes, I have bought from amzwatch more than once. I even bought a new Omega Speedmaster which came with the fancy box and packaging. I am thrilled with all my purchases here. I would purchase from amzwatch again for sure.
Being a Rolex DateJust owner myself I think you made an excellent choice, I want a Cartier tank watch for my next watch. Also, I like the fact that you left the bloopers in this video. Keep up the good work and take care.
AWESOME, Tim! Glad you made it to the watch world🙏🏻 Got the PRX already and love it. When I got 40, I’ll get myself an Omega Speedmaster ‘Moonwatch’ 💪🏻
The Cartier Tank Must in stainless is next on my wishlist. I’ve had a Rolex datejust in stainless and 18k gold two tone oyster bracelet for many years and recently purchased a gorgeous Breitling chronomat for women. The Santos is beautiful. I love it for a guy. Thanks for sharing!
Great video Tim. I've been a watch lover for a while (though not as knowledgeable as the true nerds) and its great to see your take on it. I see you hit all the main points as well. I personally would've gone with a JLC for a first luxury watch. That Santos is beautiful and that easy adjusting bracelet is a really amazing feature (though I'd be quite stressed about scratching the bezels) 😂
Great choice Tim! Somehow, it felt like you were going to steer with either Cartier or GS and well, your choice suits you beautifully! I recently and still am debating between a Speedmaster and/or a Grand Seiko 'Shunbun', the thing is, I too have a small wrist and I realise how well 36-38mm watches sit on my wrist. #smallwristgang
Honestly it depends, since some watches have well designed lugs, some 40mm watches can look humonguous and some other can fit perfectly. That being said, I have tried both on my wrist and both fit well. I don't like the reduced lol. @@memelord3348
At first, I was thinking "oh great, another Santos video." But I have to say you explained your reasoning so well, it made me fall in love with the Santos all over again. I think you're going to get even more people into the Santos now!
I am with you on this! I bought the Santos de Cartier (medium) two tone. It's great and I love the curve of the of the body and crystal which is brilliant. I wear mine with a Navy alligator strap in preference to the Bracelet....it's very classy - either way it hugs the wrist like an old friend and looks very refined . I like your Box! The red Cartier Box may be very traditional but I think your Rosewood Box looks fantastic. Incidentally I have a Grand Seiko SBGX261G with the black dial it is 37mm and is utterly wonderful too. It's Quartz and £2100 in the UK but don't let that put you off, the movement is hermetically sealed within the case and GS grow their own crystals. The steel Bracelet is very silky and because the lugs are 'below' the more slender case back it will curve around your more 'refined' wrist like a limpet. I actually prefer the GS clasp more than the Rolex which I have always found a little bulky. The Cartier Santos and the GS are not likely to appreciate in value - it's a fact. For must of us who like to fuss over these timepieces it really does not matter at all. Good luck with your channel.
Value retention is a consideration to make. But...when you pack in as much research into a watch that you clearly have, you have to ask yourself, if this watch is going to be a key piece in your collection (i.e one that means a lot to you), are you ever going to sell it? Is it an "investment watch" (I don't follow that path personally) or are you buying it for you and you alone? If you love it, you shouldn't worry overly about the resale value. Buy it for YOU. Great vid!
Another watch that would fit you well is the Junghans maxbill (regular or chronoscope). Minimalist bauhaus design, white dial, Milanese bracelet that would go with all your outfits
Santos doesnt do anything to me but its good choice and I am happy that you did some solid research before the purchase. I went myself with SBGA465G its little smaller than Snowflake and I feel like its the most my 16,5cm wrist can handle to look decent. I daily that watch because no pure mechanical watch can beat its accuracy.
Just a correction: "Santos" is not spanish, but portuguese. This watch was inspired by Santos Dumont, a brazilian man know as "the father of aviation". And in Brazil we speak portuguese, not spanish.
Great choice going with Cartier Santos. Adding to the Seiko/Toyota thing, I think Seiko 5 series should be Toyota, Seiko -> Lexus and Grand Seiko ->Lexus LFA.
Love the Santos but I used to sell Cartier and you've gotta take into account the servicing cost. I'd say expect ~$1000 nowadays. I think a manual winding watch is a good way to go, because it will probably extend the interval, but I'm actually waiting for a solarbeat Santos to come out one day. TBF, I think my 2824 derived IWC is still like $500 and my Zenith is probably $800, but that's an in-house chronograph, so that's not _terrible_ or anything. (My Zenith is a comparably rare hand-wound 'El Primero', so hopefully the interval is a bit better).
Congratulations on the watch, don’t worry about the scratches, they’re gonna come no matter how much you try to avoid them. In fact, the only way to not get scratches is to not wear the watch at all. Also, don’t polish it neither, you polish, you scratch, you polish, you scratch.. it’s an unforgiving cycle, until u can’t polish anymore. Just enjoy it, it suits your style completely and looks good on you.
Perfect luxury watch buying experience video that most people experience. Only thing I would add is waterproof rating for rolex is second to none. Cartier (I believe) is 100 meters.
FINALLLLLLYYY a new video, i had been rewatching videos from 3 Years ago. No pressure but please upload more, content formation must be hard but like...
Good choice! Was my first luxury watch too, but I went for the large with the date for my 20cm wrists. I also purchased the rubber strap with the screws from Cartier. Definitely check it out, everyone likes it. Now looking for my next luxury watch, and decided it’s going to be Cartier again, with the new Tank américaine coming out in December 2023. The tank must just looks too small for my wrist. After that it’ll be an Omega Seamaster, just haven’t decided which one yet. Good luck on your watch journey.
A watch guy here. RU-vid algorithm recommended this video for said reason. Great review as a newer-comer to the mechanical watch world. Careful. Slippery slope ;-) anyway, not that you need to hear it from me, but you picked a fantastic piece. A brand with rich heritage an iconic and historic timepiece but yes, one that is absolutely a scratch magnet 🧲 cheers 🥂
Nice review. I happen to have a Rolex GMT (purchased back when you could just walk in any store and buy one) and the Cartier Santos (large version). I wear the Cartier more. It just feels...special.
