Slipping into Elegance with the Cartier Santos Black
When Cartier relaunched its Santos de Cartier series back in 2018, it immediately gained a favourable response from the watch community. Over the years, the brand has continued to roll out a plethora of variations to the line, with intriguing new innovations and designs. Of these different Santos de Cartier models, a particular standout is the Cartier Santos Black, one of the most modern-looking Cartier Santos pieces in the brand’s catalogue.
The Cartier Santos Black is an enthralling model, boasting an all-black tone colourway that sets it apart from its counterparts. Crafted using premium materials, this is a sturdy and stylish timepiece that is perfect for all your formal dinner events. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the Cartier Santos Black and everything it has to offer.
Specifications
Case and Bezel
As you might have guessed from the name itself, the Cartier Santos Black boasts a timeless and elegant all-black appearance. It comes in a slender 39.8mm stainless steel case furnished with a black Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon (ADLC) coating. This layer of ADLC coating is ultra-hard and serves to bolster the case’s resistance to scratches and impacts while also enhancing its sleek look. It is also exceptionally resistant to corrosion, making the Cartier Santos Black’s case extremely robust and durable.
Measuring just 9.39mm in thickness, the Cartier Santos Black is quite a small watch, best suited for those with smaller-to-average-sized wrists. This slim build is emphasised by the watch’s short, slanted lugs and fine, bevelled edges. Fitted on top of the case is a fixed bezel, which is secured to the case with eight small, silver screws. Both the case and bezel have been given a thorough, gleaming polish that is extremely satisfying to look at under light.
On the right side of the case, you can find a stout crown that is protected by curved crown guards on either side. This crown is faceted, with sloping sides. Although this is not as secure as the typical grooved edges that watch crowns have, it still provides wearers with a slightly better grip.
Protruding out from the top of the crown is a synthetic spinel. Instead of opting for the typical sapphire cabochon used in watches like the Cartier Santos-Dumont, the Cartier Santos Black’s crown is fitted with a black synthetic spinel. This maintains the unity of the watch’s sleek, all-black look and is a testament to Cartier’s attention to detail.
The back of the Cartier Santos Black is sealed shut with a solid, screwed-down case back. Like the rest of the case, this caseback has been reinforced with a layer of ADLC coating. In addition, the Cartier Santos Black’s screw-down crown and caseback keep its inner mechanisms safe from any moisture or dust, giving it a substantial 100-metre depth rating.
Dial
While its sleek case is definitely a treat to look at, the highlight of the Cartier Santos Black is probably its elegant, striking dial. Like the case, this jet-black dial comes in a square shape with softer, rounded edges. It is adorned with slender sword hands, slanted Roman numeral markers in a stylised typeface, and a compact date window at 6 o’clock. It also bears an inner minute track in silver indices, which provides a pretty and highly legible contrast against the dark background of the dial. The hands and Roman numeral markers are also generously coated with lume, allowing for optimal visibility in poor lighting conditions.
In addition, this watch is equipped with a layer of sapphire crystal. This hard watch crystal keeps the dial safe from any scratches or impacts. It has also been treated with anti-reflective coatings, preventing any visual distortions due to light glares and ensuring a clear view of the dial at all times.
Movement
The Cartier Santos Black is driven by a robust Cartier Calibre 1847 MC. This in-house self-winding movement powers the watch’s hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and can last for up to 42 hours when fully wound. Held together by 23 jewels, this movement has an accuracy rate of +/-10 seconds per day.
One thing to note about this movement is that it is built for maximal stability. While it is not exceptional in terms of its power reserve or accuracy, this is a calibre you can always count on for steady reliability.
Strap
The Cartier Santos Black is offered with three different strap options. Wearers have a choice between a stainless steel bracelet, a soft black rubber strap, and an elegant alligator leather band in black. Both the alligator leather and rubber straps are furnished with folding deployant buckles made of steel, which ensures the straps stay securely fastened to your wrist.
On the other hand, the stainless steel bracelet is well-known for its SmartLink system. This is an innovative Cartier feature that allows wearers to adjust the bracelet size without having to use any tools. All you have to do is push a recessed button, which in turn releases the pin from its chambers, enabling you to add or remove links to adjust the size of the bracelet on your wrist.
In addition, all three strap options are equipped with the brand’s QuickSwitch technology. This allows wearers to quickly remove and swap out straps without the need for any tools. This function is incredibly convenient for those who are fans of changing things up or experimenting with different after-market straps.
Price
As a luxury watch brand, Cartier has built a reputation for crafting refined, high-quality watches. In particular, the brand is known for producing exquisite dress watches, and the Cartier Santos Black counts among that number.
With Cartier’s reputation, along with the Cartier Santos Black’s sleek, timeless design and sturdy build, it is no surprise that this watch retails at a relatively expensive price. Depending on the specific model you are looking at, the Cartier Santos Black sells at around $7,650 USD and above, with prices going as high as $25,000 USD.
Cartier Santos Black Models
1. Cartier Santos Black Ref. WSSA0039
The first model on our list is the Cartier Santos Black Ref. WSSA0039. This is the more classic Cartier Santos Black option, with its simple 39.8mm ADLC-coated stainless steel case and bezel. As mentioned, this watch’s handsome dial is adorned with stylised Roman numeral makers in a bold typeface, luminous sword hands, and a date complication at 6 o’clock. All of these functions are driven by an in-house Cartier Calibre 1847 MC, which delivers a 42-hour power reserve and a 100-metre depth rating.
The simple Cartier Santos Black Ref. WSSA0039 retails at approximately $8,119 USD.
2. Cartier Santos All Black Diamonds Ref. WSSA0018
For a more high-end, lavish timepiece, take a look at the Cartier Santos All Black Diamonds Ref. WSSA0018. As you can tell from the name, this gorgeous Cartier Santos Black watch is studded with luxurious black diamonds all over.
Like the standard Cartier Santos Black, the Cartier Santos All Black Diamonds comes in an ADLC-coated 39.8mm stainless steel case and bezel. The primary difference between the two models is the precious black diamonds embedded all over its case, bezel, and strap. The dial of this up-scale timepiece is also covered in silvered opaline and decorated with stylised Roman numeral markers, blued steel sword hands, and a date window with black text and a white background at 6 o’clock.
The Cartier Santos All Black Diamonds Ref. WSSA0018 is one of the most expensive models in Cartier’s catalogue. It has an estimated price of $24,113 USD.
Alternatives to the Cartier Santos Black
Without a doubt, the Cartier Santos Black is an exquisite timepiece that will elevate any formalwear you pair with it. However, not everyone might be able to get their hands on the Cartier Santos Black, or you might find it a little out of your budget. Never fear, however. In this section, we have curated a list of the three best alternatives to the Cartier Santos Black that you can check out instead.
1. Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0037
The best alternative to the Cartier Santos Black is probably the Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0037, which hails from the same collection. With its lustrous silver, grey, and black colourway, this model is perfect for those who are not the biggest fan of the Cartier Santos Black’s all-black look.
The Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0037 is also presented in a 39.8mm stainless steel case, coupled with either a light grey stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap. Unlike the Cartier Santos Black, only the stainless steel fixed bezel of this watch is coated in black ADLC material. The sleek black bezel sets up a delightful contrast against the silver case, which shows off a well-brushed finish.
This bezel is also complemented by the watch’s black dial, which consists of stylised Roman numerals, and luminous, silver-tone hands. Underneath this watch face, you can find Cartier’s own Calibre 1847 MC. This automatic movement possesses a 100-metre depth rating and can run for up to 42 hours.
This timepiece is slightly cheaper than the Cartier Santos Black, retailing at around $7,850 USD.
2. Bell & Ross Instruments Ref. BR0392-PHANTOM-CE
Next up, we have the Bell & Ross Instruments Ref. BR0392-PHANTOM-CE, which is a much more affordable all-black watch that boasts a more rugged aesthetic.
This Bell & Ross Instruments timepiece is housed in a 42mm black ceramic case, coupled with a matching black rubber strap. While this watch is slightly larger than the Cartier Santos Black, it uses ceramic, which weighs less than stainless steel, giving it a more lightweight build. The dial also shows off a jet-black hue and follows a very simple layout, containing luminous black indices, pronounced Arabic numeral markers, and black sword hands coated in lume. A small circular date aperture can also be found between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. A layer of sapphire crystal is fitted on top of the dial to protect the watch face from any scratches or impacts.
Inside this robust all-black watch, you can find a first-class ETA Calibre 2892. This is a very popular movement, used by many other watchmakers. Held together by 21 jewels, it beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and possesses a 42-hour power supply. It also comes with a useful 100-metre depth rating, which ensures the watch can survive some splashes and showers.
This Bell & Ross is worth an estimated $2,829 USD.
3. TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CBL2111.FC6453
Sought-after for its beguiling blue dial, the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CBL2111.FC6453 is a gorgeous square-shaped timepiece jam-packed with impressive features. This TAG Heuer watch utilises a 39mm stainless steel case paired with a handsome blue alligator leather strap. Fixed on top of the case is a brushed stainless steel bezel. Together with the watch’s polished, stout lugs and case, it sets up an interplay of differently-textured surfaces that is very satisfying to look at.
The dial of this watch boasts a striking sunray blue shade that perfectly complements its strap. This dial is furnished with silver hour indices, slender sword hands, and two square chronograph sub-dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters. At 6 o’clock, you can also find a simple small seconds sub-dial and a compact date complication.
The back of this TAG Heuer Monaco piece is sealed shut by a transparent sapphire crystal caseback, which also gives wearers a clear view of the movement inside. This watch is driven by a powerful in-house HEUER02 Calibre, which delivers smooth and precise timekeeping. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has an outstanding 80-hour power supply. This means that you can leave this watch aside for a whole weekend without ever having to wind it. Like the Cartier Santos Black, it also comes with a 100-metre depth rating.
You can buy the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CBL2111.FC6453 for around $5,279 USD.
Final Thoughts
Cartier, without a doubt, is home to some of the finest, most exquisite dress watches today. The brand’s release of the Cartier Santos Black had entirely taken the world of horology by storm. It is one of the most modern-looking Santos models, boasting a stylish all-black colourway that allows it to truly stand apart from its peers. If you want a timeless, elegant dress watch, then opting for the Cartier Santos Black is definitely the right choice.
All images are credited to eBay unless otherwise stated.
Featured image courtesy of (u/rebes88) on Reddit.
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