Thoughts on Cartier Santos White Dial Large. Buy at retail?

[FL2024]

Is it worth buying from the boutique or go grey market?

For those who own, what has been your experience with this watch?

Durability/build quality? Versatility? Comfort?

Thanks

[Guppydriver]

Not huge discounts on these in the pre owned market. It's a pretty hot watch by a really hot brand. They tend to be scratch magnets with that polished bezel, so I'd buy at retail to ensure you don't have a watch that's already been spiffed up to sell.

It's a timeless piece and I think you will enjoy it very much.

I'm not sure if you like Rolex, but I'd buy from a Cartier AD that also sells Rolex. It might help you with future allocations that are more difficult to get.

Let us know and post pics if you do buy that Santos.

[In-N-Out]

Are these not selling at a huge discount anymore in the gray market? I bought a TT santos at a boutique in Paris in 2022 and I recall used mint condition santos being at least 30% cheaper in general. I wanted a brand new watch so I was ok with that, but looking back, I should have bought used. These are extreme scratch magnets so after one month you will likely have tons of scratches on your bezel anyway. So buying used might be better with the depreciation already baked into the price

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by In-N-Out

Are these not selling at a huge discount anymore in the gray market? I bought a TT santos at a boutique in Paris in 2022 and I recall used mint condition santos being at least 30% cheaper in general. I wanted a brand new watch so I was ok with that, but looking back, I should have bought used. These are extreme scratch magnets so after one month you will likely have tons of scratches on your bezel anyway. So buying used might be better with the depreciation already baked into the price

Good points. I'm just not sure the greys are discounted much (SS models). The other thing to consider is verifying you have that "extended" warranty or whatever that is when you register the watch online. Buying from an AD guarantees that.

To your point, I am still seeing Two Tone Santos' in great condition for around the 20-30% off RRP on the used market.

[WatchEater666]

I would buy used personally and save a lot...

The only reason to buy cartier from an AD is if you want access to their NSO program for a unique piece, but I dont think its worth it unless you're a huge nerd.

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

I would buy used personally and save a lot...

The only reason to buy cartier from an AD is if you want access to their NSO program for a unique piece, but I dont think its worth it unless you're a huge nerd.

If you are looking at the current Santos you won't save much buying used at all.
Cartier has had a strong resale on the popular models for the past couple years.

Two tone Im not sure about but SS or YG both sell fairly close to MSRP on gray and not much savings on used clean and complete examples.

[-dustin]

Have bought 2 large Santos (blue and grey dial) in the past 3 or 4 months. Both were more than a grand under new and showed up looking spotless. Grey one actually came with an extra link and leather strap, in addition to the rubber strap. Blue one’s leather strap did show wear, but the bezel was pristine. Purchased from trusted sellers here.

Two tones have been regularly a couple grand under new.

Both were also capable of being added to that 8yr warranty thing.

In short - I’d buy used.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I wouldn't ever buy one at retail. A nice watch, sure. But not at retail. They drop like rocks.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

If you are looking at the current Santos you won't save much buying used at all.
Cartier has had a strong resale on the popular models for the past couple years.

Two tone Im not sure about but SS or YG both sell fairly close to MSRP on gray and not much savings on used clean and complete examples.

No they don’t? Look in moda.

[Dino944]

I'm a big fan of the Santos. I've had my steel blue dial for almost 5 years. No problems or issues with it. It's very comfortable thanks to the curved case. It's very versatile with the quickswitch system that allows you to easily and quickly swap the metal bracelet for a strap. It's a great daily wearer, it's more highly antimagnetic than Rolex's outgoing Milgauss, and water resistant to 100m. If you buy it new it has an 8 year warranty, and if you buy from a boutique, although, they won't discount, many will give you an extra strap for your watch (they let me have an extra one with my watch). I would also recommend if you get the large size, ordering a rubber strap from the ADLC or PVD model. Its great for use in the summer.

Here is mine...