Buying My First Luxury Watch 

Little mistake on the "self-winding" vs "automatic" part. It was meant to be "manual winding".

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.

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.

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 Cartier Santos has a history as being the first pilot watch. I remember when I got my Black Bay Ceramic. It’s a great piece.

I bought my must de Cartier years ago when on a cruise. I still love it. Congratulations Tim on your beautiful new watch.

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!

Great choice. I bought my medium Santos 2 years ago, and I have loved it. It has been my daily watch since then.

Thanks, Tim! I was looking for something like this video for a long time... Also, thanks for your work on all social media platforms - it was a suggestion IG reels that took me into paying attention of what I wear and my image to the world... Since then I've been watching and learning, but never got the concept of personal style - which now I think I can start thinking about it. I can't express how thankful I am for all that. You really breakdown all this fashion world in such a simple and easy way that it's almost impossible not to try. Thanks, man! Thanks so much for all your work.! 😊😊😊

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.

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.

You deserve it Tim! Thanks for your content. The Santos is my fav luxury watch at all❤️

Congrats, brother - just got one for myself as a birthday gift, and I absolutely love it even more after owning it. Wear it in the best of health!

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.

The Santos medium was always my first choice. Got it and never looked back. Elegant and sporty at the same time. Perfect watch for any occasion.

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!

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!!!

Great video Tim, loved your explanation and journey with the story telling and seeing your interest throughout

These latest videos you've put out are excellent quality! They tell a story which makes it such a meaningful watch

Impressed with Tim's insight...most watch newbies have no idea about the wrist-to-watch size ratio, polishing drawbacks, etc.

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!

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!

Congratulations man! Nice to see you reaping the benefits of your hard work! Can’t wait to own one too!

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!

The editing is so cool and the structure of the video is easy to follow!

Got the same Santos model as yours from my grandparents as a gift. Gonna take very good care of it!

Really great video, so relatable, showcasing a great journey that many of us consider or go through!

Beautiful and beautifully appreciated. It fits you so well. Congratulations Sir Tim!!! I am so happy for you.

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 the watch! I’ve owned a Datejust and now a Cartier tank. The santos midsize is a fantastic choice!

This watch matches your style so well. And it still has the white dial and roman numerals from the Datejust you like. Congratulations!!

Got myself, as my first luxury watch, the classic Omega Speedmaster professional Sapphire Sandwich. But Cartier Santos is definitely on my wish list 😊

As a watch enthusiast I truly enjoyed this video! Loved it and hope to see more watch videos in the future.

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!

As a watch enthusiast and watch reviewer, who's owned and reviewed the Cartier Santos, I can say that this was a great choice. Enjoyed your video!

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!

Probably the best watch review video I watched on a non-watch channel, and congratulations man, a cool piece!

Great choice Tim. The Santos is gorgeous and also very versatile!

as a massive watch nerd, I loved this one. Great choice Tim!

I have been a fan of the Tank watch for years. However, I will now consider purchasing the Santos. Excellent video!

Excellent choice! I have the santos in medium and I have a 7 1/4 inch wrist. Even for me the santos larger seemed a bit big and medium definitely felt more elegant.

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!

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.

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.

Great informative video Tim. Thanks for sharing.

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!

The Cartier Santos is such a beautiful watch! Definitely on my list of watches to buy!

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) 😂

You have the same thoughts as me and literally picked my dream watch. Congrats!

I love that the watch shares your last name. A great coincidence for a good looking watch.

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.

Literally my dream watch, glad you made it!

I did enjoy the video, first time I seeyour channel. I'm into watches too in this period and this is the first time I allowed myself to take a closer look to the Santos, so good job!

Thanks for the suggestion brother. I got the Santos Cartier master clone in just $80 bucks. It really looks amazing.

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 !

Such a great choice Time! I’m regretting a bit selling mine. Wear it in good health!

Love the Santos! Buying it next year. Had a Grand Seiko SBGA413 this year - such a beautiful watch.

Congratulations on the piece! I am thinking about getting a santos myself and watches are a wonderful way to express yourself as well, it’s not just Rolexes out there

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

Congrats on a great purchase, and welcome to the world of timepieces! 🤩 Hope you enjoy your Santos, and as you said, scratches only build character and make the watch feel more personal. Currently swinging between my white/silver dial Longines Spirit with a brown leather strap and a grey CasiOak. Looking forward to own a JLC master ultra thin moon one day.

Such a beautiful and iconic watch! Congrats! 🎉

got my first watch a few days back, and it was also a santos! Loving it

Congratulations. Fabulous watch. I was in a similar dilemma myself and went for the Grand Seiko. No regrets.

Amazing review 👌🏼 I love the heritage and history about Cartier, and that’s why I got the Santos Dumont as it’s the closest one to the original.

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!

you made the right decision, this is clean w/o date pls keep this for life enjoy i got the same design but with steel & gold :)

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.

Congrats! This was my grail watch too! I was blessed to get it a couple years ago!

Congratulations mate, just got the Large santos for myself, coincidentally my first luxury watch as well. A beautiful choice !!!

With your style, a Santos is chefs kiss for sure. Nice choice!

nice story! Appreciate your your content, your videos give me always a really nice calm and cozy vibe!

Great choice! I also bought my first luxury watch just yesterday, an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional sapphire sandwich of the current generation. I absolutely adore this watch, it is so perfect.

The Santos is underrated!!! Amazing video

I have a Santos as well. Got it in a duty free store while vacationing in Barbados.

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!

Picked up a Santos myself. Present once I sold my unit. Best watch

i always found this watch amazing, but the details of the links detaching are amazing. i knew the cartier in the 7 part. but now i want this watch even more haha.

Got this amazing watch for my 30th birthday last year ! Just like you i wanted a Rolex at first but then i got to learn much more about the SANTOS and fell in love with it :) Congrats on your first luxury watch, this is a great video, hope it won't be the last on watches ;) i guess once you got a step in it, it's for ever ...

Excellent choice, the name connection is perfect for you, and it is a classic stunner. Love my snowflake, and would be so stoked with a Santos.

Good choice, it matches your style perfectly.

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.

Fantastic choice for a first and potentially only watch!

Great choice, a truly timeless watch

Awesome I have the Santos large blue dial that I bought 2 years ago. Have pretty much worn everyday since. The bezel while scratch is not that bad.

SANTOS is not Spanish, it's Portuguese, as Alberto Santos-Dumont was Brazilian

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.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that felt this way....as soon as found out the wait-list and other brands....the 2 watches I started savingare the Cartier Rontonde and the Omega Speed master spharrie

Great taste Tim, Cartier is a watch of men (and women) of culture ❤

Cartier Santos is on my list for dream watch as well congrats on the piece!🙏

well deserved! This shows how hard work leads to achieving goals!

Congratulations on your watch. That is a beauty! May you get many years of enjoyment from it.

Great watch choices. Grand Seiko's craftsmanship and movement FTW!

Beautiful choice for your first luxury watch, congratulations!!

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.

Beautiful watch, congrats Tim!

Impeccable choice! I also want my next luxury watch to be the Santos in medium size or a Santos Dumont in SS/YG. 😍

Great choice! Suits you and your style perfectly.

Fantastic watch, it looks great on your wrist! Keeping 80% of its value is nothing to scoff at

Timeless elegant beauty, you can dress it up or dress it down and looks absolutely stunning

Great video Tim! Fun fact: I picked up the exact same Model on the 3rd of November, my Birthday. I have always loved the Santos and was torn between the white, blue and green dial. Went for the white an have no regrets as of now. My dream watch is a Steel AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar :)