What Is the Retail Price of a Cartier Santos? A Complete Guide to the Main Collection
The Santos was created in 1904 by Louis Cartier, the third-generation head of Cartier, as an exceptional timepiece for a close friend. That friend, aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, wanted a way to check the time without taking his hands off the aircraft controls. In response, Cartier designed and gifted him a wristwatch.
At a time when pocket watches were the norm, this was a groundbreaking innovation that sent shockwaves through the global watch industry. While the Cartier Santos carries more than 120 years of history, many people may not be thoroughly familiar with the different collections that make up the line.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the main Santos series, along with current retail prices. We also introduce 10 popular models, making this guide a helpful reference for anyone deciding which Santos watch to choose.
What Is Cartier Santos? A Guide to the Main Collections
Cartier is renowned worldwide as one of the most prestigious jewelry brands. Often referred to as “the jeweler of kings” and “the king of jewelers,” it has long been favored by royalty and aristocracy around the globe. While best known for its fine jewelry, Cartier is also an essential name in the world of watches and is highly respected among watch enthusiasts as a rare brand that excels in both fields.
One of Cartier’s most iconic watches is the Santos. Created in 1904, the Santos was designed in response to a request from aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. He wanted to check the time while flying without taking his hands off the controls or reaching into his pocket for a watch. To fulfill this need, Louis Cartier, the third-generation head of the brand, conceived what would become the Santos.
Today, the Santos line includes not only watches but also necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry pieces, reflecting Cartier’s broad offerings as a luxury jewelry brand.
In this section, we focus on the main Santos collections and explain their key features in detail. Use this as a reference to understand the appeal of Cartier’s Santos better.
Santos de Cartier
Cartier unveiled a significantly renewed Santos de Cartier at the prestigious watch fair SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) held in 2018. The launch attracted widespread attention, further heightened by the appointment of popular American actor Jake Gyllenhaal as the brand’s ambassador.
The movement was upgraded from an ETA-based caliber to an in-house movement, and the case was redesigned with more pronounced curves, creating a silhouette reminiscent of the Santos Galbée. The watch was also made considerably thinner than the Santos 100, at just 9.08mm, giving it a sleek, stylish appearance.
The bezel design was also significantly updated, flowing seamlessly into the bracelet to create a stronger sense of unity. In terms of materials, new two-tone models combining pink gold and stainless steel were added, further expanding the lineup.
Another major highlight of the Santos de Cartier is the inclusion of Cartier’s proprietary technologies. The watch features a “Quick Switch” system that allows the included leather strap and bracelet to be easily exchanged without tools, making strap changes convenient and straightforward for anyone. It also incorporates the “Smart Link” system, enabling easy self-adjustment of bracelet links without the usual hassle.
Santos-Dumont
The Santos-Dumont, released in 2019, is characterized by its slim case design. Returning to the origins of the Santos, first introduced in 1904, it was created as a refined, classically elegant model.
The case measures just 7.3mm in thickness, and with a slimmer bezel and more streamlined lugs, the watch has an even more stylish appearance. Faithful to the original Santos, the crown guard was removed, and the crown shape was changed from a seven-sided design back to a decorative cabochon.
While carefully preserving the original model's look, the watch has evolved in performance, offering approximately 6 years of battery life. The bezel features a beveled, mountain-like profile, creating a more three-dimensional silhouette and giving the watch a richer visual expression.
The watch comes with a matte-finish alligator leather strap, making it easy to match the wearer’s mood or outfit. As a result, it pairs well with everything from formal attire to casual fashion.
In 2023, the Santos-Dumont underwent a design refresh, introducing the skeletonized automatic mechanical movement “Caliber 9629 MC.”
Santos 100
The Santos 100 was released in 2004 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Santos collection. At the same time, the commemorative Santos-Dumont and the ladies’ model, Santos Demoiselle, were unveiled.
Riding the trend of oversized, thick sports watches sparked by Panerai, the Santos 100 adopted a bolder design with larger, thicker bezels and screws, along with a substantial, oversized case that gives the watch a distinctly sporty impression. The curved case design—a signature feature of the Santos Galbée, released in 1987—was further emphasized.
As a result, despite its large size and thickness, the watch maintains excellent comfort and fit on the wrist. Water resistance was also significantly improved: while the Galbée offered 30 meters of water resistance, the Santos 100 was upgraded to 100 meters.
At its launch in 2004, the case materials were limited to three versions—stainless steel, yellow gold, and a stainless steel-and-yellow gold combination—all paired exclusively with leather straps. Over the years leading up to 2017, the lineup expanded considerably to include stainless steel cases with black high-hardness ADLC (carbon) coating, titanium bezels, chronograph models, pink gold versions, rubber straps, and bracelet-equipped models, resulting in a diverse and comprehensive collection.
Santos Galbée
In 1987, the Santos was renewed and renamed the Santos Galbée. The term galbée means “curved” in French, and the redesign introduced curved elements to what had previously been a more angular case, reshaping it to follow the contour of the wrist more naturally.
As a result, the watch achieved a noticeably improved fit and comfort on the wrist. The Santos Galbée was offered in two versions, equipped with either a quartz movement or an automatic movement, with the majority of models featuring quartz calibers.
One way to distinguish between the two is the position of the date display: the automatic models feature a date window at the 3 o’clock position, while the quartz models display the date at 6 o’clock.
The Santos Galbée was available in stainless steel and two-tone combination models.
What Is the Retail Price of a Cartier Santos? Popular Models Explained
Now that you’ve reviewed the main Cartier Santos series, many of you may be wondering about their retail prices. Below, we’ve selected 10 of the most popular Cartier Santos models and introduced them along with their current retail prices. Use this as a helpful reference.
1. Cartier Santos de Cartier LM WSSA0071
Estimated Price: $6,910 USD (tax included)
This model features the classic Santos blue dial, with a deep, midnight-blue tone that creates a calm and refined impression. As a result, it is well-suited for business settings. The midnight-blue dial is accented by silver hands, creating a romantic look reminiscent of a night sky filled with stars.
The blue cabochon crown complements the dial beautifully, making this an irresistible piece for those who love blue or are searching for a blue-dial watch. As with other Santos models, Cartier’s signature screws are applied to both the case and the bracelet.
The watch is crafted entirely from stainless steel, including the screws, and the subtle detailing becomes more apparent the closer you look, adding an extra touch of sophistication. Another standout feature of this model is the inclusion of Cartier’s proprietary technologies found in the Santos de Cartier line.
It is equipped with the “Quick Switch” system, allowing the included alligator leather strap and bracelet to be easily swapped without tools, as well as the “Smart Link” system, which makes bracelet link adjustment hassle-free and straightforward.
2. Cartier Santos de Cartier LM WSSA0013
Estimated Price: $4,420 USD (tax included)
The Cartier Santos de Cartier LM WSSA0013 is another LM-size model featuring a blue dial. It is powered by Cartier’s in-house automatic movement, Caliber 1847 MC.
The blue dial features a subtle gradient finish, and the silver hands and Roman numeral indexes stand out beautifully against the deep blue background, creating an elegant and refined look. The silver hands are treated with Super-LumiNova, and their slightly thicker shape adds a sporty touch while maintaining overall elegance.
Crafted from stainless steel, the watch has a clean and stylish appearance, while the blue cabochon crown shines like a gemstone, serving as a distinctive design accent. A date display is positioned at 6 o’clock, making this model ideal for those who prefer to check the date at a glance.
With a 39.8mm case size and 100 meters of water resistance, the watch is highly water-resistant, allowing it to be worn with confidence on rainy days, during hot summer months, or even while engaging in sports.
Like other Santos de Cartier models, the LM WSSA0013 is equipped with Cartier’s proprietary “Quick Switch” and “Smart Link” systems, ensuring long-term comfort and ease of use. This model also comes with an alligator leather strap as an additional option.
3. Cartier Santos de Cartier Watch XL WSSA0078
Estimated Price: $10,500 USD (tax included)
The Cartier Santos de Cartier Watch XL WSSA0078 is a Japan-exclusive limited model, released in September 2024 in a run of only 220 pieces. As an XL model measuring 43.3mm wide and 12.4mm thick, it has a bold presence with substantial size and thickness, delivering a highly impactful look on the wrist.
The case is crafted from brushed stainless steel. The dial features a matte gray grain finish and a date display at 6 o’clock. A grain finish refers to a technique in which thin, even layers of paint are applied repeatedly to create a refined, textured surface.
The crown is seven-sided and set with a faceted black synthetic spinel. Pressing the crown at the 3 o’clock position resets the chronograph, while the button at 9 o’clock starts and stops it.
With a water resistance rating of 100 meters, the watch offers excellent protection against water, making it suitable for everyday wear, rainy conditions, and sports activities that involve perspiration. As a limited-edition model with high rarity, it is recommended to secure one early if it catches your interest.
4. Cartier Santos-Dumont SM WSSA0023
Estimated Price: $2,180 USD (tax included)
The Cartier Santos-Dumont SM WSSA0023 features a silver dial with a beautiful sunburst finish that radiates outward, creating an elegant play of light. The eight screws on the bezel add a distinctive design accent.
The elongated Roman numeral indexes, rendered in a tall, slender font, give the watch a refined, stylish appearance. The case measures 38mm x 27.5mm, with a vertically elongated shape and a relatively slim profile. Combined with slender lugs, this creates a clean and well-balanced look on the wrist.
The crown is set with a blue spinel cabochon adorned with a pearl-like decoration, offering a subtle yet distinctive sparkle despite its small size. The strap buckle features a pin-buckle design inspired by a trident motif, showcasing Cartier’s signature sense of individuality.
The case back is engraved with the signature of Alberto Santos-Dumont, allowing wearers to appreciate Cartier’s heritage down to the finest details. This model delivers a polished, professional impression in business settings while also standing out as a stylish choice for casual occasions.
With its simple, timeless design and excellent wearability, this watch transcends age and trends, making it a piece that can be enjoyed for decades to come.
5. Cartier Santos-Dumont Watch LM WSSA0022
Estimated Price: $4,060 USD (tax included)
The Santos-Dumont collection is offered in three sizes—SM, LM, and XL—and this model represents the LM size. Quartz movements power the SM and LM versions, while the XL size features a manual-winding movement.
The Santos-Dumont follows the design of the original Santos, emphasizing a classic and dress-oriented aesthetic. While the silver tone gives the watch a crisp, stylish impression, the softly rounded case corners add warmth, creating a well-balanced overall design. The eight screws on the bezel serve as subtle accents, enhancing the watch’s presence despite its clean and simple look.
These rounded case edges, the eight bezel screws, and the Roman numeral indexes are signature elements that have been passed down through generations of the Santos line. The Cartier Santos-Dumont Watch LM WSSA0022 stands out with its ultra-slim 7.3mm case, silver dial, two-hand layout without a date display, and slender indexes and hands. Together, these features create a refined and cohesive design that makes it an ideal dress watch.
The included alligator leather strap also lets the watch be effortlessly styled with casual outfits. Attention to detail is evident throughout the piece, from the blued baton hands and railway minute track to the crown set with a blue cabochon and pearl-like decoration. The case back is engraved with the signature of Alberto Santos-Dumont, further highlighting Cartier’s heritage.
One of the most notable aspects of this model is its newly developed quartz movement, created in collaboration with ValFleurier. While previous models were equipped with ETA quartz movements, the switch to an in-house movement has significantly extended battery life—from approximately 3 years to around 7 years. Even brands known for quartz excellence, such as Grand Seiko, typically offer battery life of about three years, making this long-life quartz movement a significant advantage over competing models.
6. Santos 100 LM W200728G
Estimated Price: $7,310 USD (tax included)
The Santos 100 was unveiled in 2004 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Santos. With wide case sides and a substantial build, it has a sporty appearance reminiscent of a sports watch.
Among the lineup, the Santos 100 LM W200728G stands out as an LM-size model, featuring a thick, solid bracelet that delivers a strong presence while maintaining elegance. While Cartier Santos watches often use blued steel hands, the Santos 100 is distinctive in that both the hour and minute hands are luminous. This makes the time easy to read, even at night or in low light.
The watch features a large 38mm x 38mm case and a wide, bold bezel, giving it a robust, thick design. To enhance comfort, the lugs are gently curved and relatively short, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit on the wrist regardless of size.
This model is highly recommended for those who appreciate sports watches or are looking for a timepiece with a commanding wrist presence. It is crafted in a stainless steel and yellow gold two-tone combination and is powered by an automatic movement.
The blue, gem-cut crown adds a refined design element, lending a touch of luxury to the otherwise clean, understated look. In addition, the bracelet screws are finished in gold, creating a striking contrast with the silver-toned metal and further enhancing its visual appeal.
7. Cartier Santos Galbée XL W20099C4
Shop Santos Galbée XL W20099C4
Estimated Price: $3,090 USD (tax included)
This Santos Galbée is a model that was sold from the late 1980s and is one of the most popular collections within Cartier’s luxury sports watch lineup. While earlier Santos models featured more angular designs, the Santos Galbée was redesigned with beautiful, ergonomically inspired curves that follow the natural contour of the wrist.
The XL size was introduced in 2005, during the peak of the oversized watch trend. The Cartier Santos Galbée XL W20099C4 has a case size of 45.54mm x 34.87mm, giving it a strong and commanding presence on the wrist.
The watch features a stainless steel and yellow gold two-tone case and is powered by an automatic movement. Screws are applied to both the bezel and the bracelet, creating a striking contrast between the silver and gold tones.
Notably, the screws on the bracelet are larger than those on the bezel. The rounded gold screws serve as bold design accents, enhancing the watch’s overall presence. The black Roman numeral indexes pair beautifully with the light blue hands, creating a refined yet distinctive look.
Although the Santos Galbée remains highly sought after, it has already been discontinued, and its availability continues to decline each year, making it a legendary timepiece among collectors.
8. Cartier Santos de Cartier Necklace White Gold B7224583
Estimated Price: $3,500 USD (tax included)
The Cartier Santos de Cartier Necklace White Gold B7224583 is crafted in white gold and features a delicate chain that creates a sleek and refined impression. With a chain length of 56cm, it pairs well with tops that have a higher neckline and sits comfortably around the neck.
Cartier uses only the finest materials, and white gold in particular is known for its excellent durability. Because carefully selected materials are used, the necklace is highly resistant to discoloration and maintains its beautiful shine over time.
Its simple, timeless design is not influenced by trends, making it a piece that can be worn and enjoyed for many years. The chain has a beautiful surface luster, and its distinctive thickness—neither too bold nor too delicate—adds a sense of mature elegance.
With its unisex design, this necklace is also perfect for matching or coordinating styles with a partner.
9. Cartier Santos de Cartier K18 Yellow Gold Bracelet B6021300
Estimated Price: $2,280 USD (tax included)
The Cartier Santos de Cartier K18 Yellow Gold B6021300 is a yellow gold bracelet measuring 20cm. Despite its delicate chain design, it has a noticeable presence that adds an elegant touch to the wrist.
While refined in appearance, the bracelet carries the distinctive, reassuring weight unique to gold, giving the wearer a sense of confidence that comes with owning a genuine piece of fine jewelry. Simple yet luxurious, this bracelet is ideally suited for adults and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of outfits.
The warm glow of yellow gold enhances the skin tone, adding a polished, sophisticated finish to any look. Its presence is especially noticeable during the summer months, when it is less likely to be hidden under sleeves.
Worn on its own, the bracelet offers understated elegance, but it can also be paired with a necklace or layered with other pieces to create a more luxurious impression. Since the design is not overly bold, wearing multiple bracelets together still results in a refined and tasteful look.
10. Cartier Santos de Cartier Necklace Yellow Gold B7224582
Estimated Price: $4,440 USD (tax included)
While the white gold version was introduced earlier, this model is crafted in yellow gold. Yellow gold is easy to wear, offers a warm, elegant appearance, and is highly resistant to discoloration.
Like the white gold version, the chain measures 56cm, making it easy to pair with tops with a higher neckline. The delicate yet not overly thin chain features a beautiful luster that creates a subtle presence and adds a refined touch to the neckline.
Because the design is not flashy, it pairs effortlessly with both casual and formal outfits. Wearing it with a bracelet or layering it with chains of different lengths enhances its elegant, luxurious appeal. Of course, it also looks perfectly refined when worn on its own.
The necklace adds brightness to skin that may have become more matte with age, making it an excellent choice for those who want to achieve a more youthful impression. Cartier also offers a post-purchase chain adjustment service, allowing the length to be adjusted by up to 4cm.
Even if you later feel the necklace is slightly too long or too short, or would pair better with certain outfits at a different length, being able to adjust it after purchase is a welcome benefit. In addition, you can customize the necklace by adding charms to create a design that suits your personal style.
Three Key Points to Consider When Buying a Cartier Santos
The Cartier Santos is a highly popular model with over 120 years of history, yet it still features a timeless design that has never gone out of style. Below, we break down three key points to keep in mind when purchasing a Cartier Santos, so use them as a guide.
By understanding these points before buying a Cartier Santos, you can make your purchase with confidence and peace of mind.
Difference Between Authorized Retailers and Parallel Importers
The main difference between authorized retailers and parallel importers lies in their distribution routes. Authorized retailers sell products through official channels designated by the manufacturer, whereas parallel importers sell items sourced through non-official channels.
One potential issue with purchasing through non-official routes is that manufacturer warranties and after-sales services may not be available. While authorized retailers are required to follow strict quality control standards set by the manufacturer, parallel importers are not always managed under the same standards.
For highly popular items, authorized retailers often experience shortages, and it is not uncommon for prices at parallel importers to be two to three times higher than official retail prices. To purchase popular models at retail price from an official Cartier boutique, customers need to check the official website or visit stores frequently regularly. However, due to long waiting lists and high demand, buying directly from authorized retailers can be pretty challenging in reality.
Warranty and Accessories to Check at the Time of Purchase
Before purchasing a Cartier item, it is essential to check the warranty and included accessories. Authentic Cartier products include a warranty card, an official presentation box, and a storage pouch.
These accessories serve as proof of authenticity, so confirming their presence is essential. Depending on the model, some watches may also include an additional strap in addition to the bracelet.
Warranties and accessories not only verify that the item is genuine but also help maintain higher resale value if you decide to sell it in the future. In particular, the warranty card is crucial, as it allows the watch to be repaired in the event of a malfunction. Once you make a purchase, be sure to keep the warranty card safe for at least five years.
Important Points to Watch Out for When Buying Pre-Owned
Choosing to buy pre-owned can give you access to Cartier Santos models in excellent condition, including popular pieces and discontinued models that are no longer available new. However, purchasing pre-owned items comes with certain risks, such as counterfeits, scratches, or signs of wear, so caution is essential.
In particular, flea-market apps and peer-to-peer marketplaces often feature anonymous individual sellers, which makes them less suitable for purchasing high-value luxury items. While these platforms may offer advantages such as lower prices on limited editions, discontinued models, or highly sought-after pieces, it is extremely difficult to determine authenticity based solely on photos displayed on a screen.
If you choose to purchase through such platforms, it is important to thoroughly research the seller’s reputation, user reviews, and return policies, and to proceed only after careful consideration. On the other hand, buying from a specialized pre-owned luxury retailer offers greater peace of mind, as reputable shops conduct strict authentication checks, significantly reducing the risk of counterfeit items.
Buying a Cartier Santos at or Below Retail Price? Pre-Owned Is Also a Great Option
By choosing to buy pre-owned, you can sometimes purchase a Cartier Santos in excellent condition—including popular models or discontinued pieces—at retail price or even below. However, as mentioned earlier, pre-owned items always carry the risk of counterfeits, scratches, or wear, which makes choosing the right retailer especially important.
When purchasing a Cartier Santos, it is essential to select a specialty store that is a member of the Association Against Counterfeit Product Distribution (AACD) and conducts strict authentication testing. Among such retailers, Gallery Rare stands out for its extensive track record, dating back to its founding in 1979. From sourcing to sales, all items undergo consistent, thorough authentication, ensuring counterfeit products are eliminated.
With physical stores and an online shop, Gallery Rare makes it easy to browse a wide selection of items. Visiting a store also allows you to inspect the product in person and try it on before making a purchase decision.
As an AACD member known for its meticulous authentication standards, Gallery Rare offers only genuine, well-maintained items, so you can shop with confidence and peace of mind. If you are considering purchasing a Cartier Santos, feel free to contact them for more information.
Conclusion: Understanding the Cartier Santos Price
- Santos de Cartier: Equipped with Cartier’s proprietary technologies, the “Quick Switch” system and the “Smart Link” system.
- Santos-Dumont: A model that returns to the origins of the original Santos, characterized by its slim case design.
- Santos 100: Features larger, bolder bezels and screws, along with a thick, oversized case that gives it a more sporty appearance.
- Santos Galbée: Designed with curved case elements to follow the wrist more naturally, offering improved comfort and fit.
In this article, we explained the retail prices and main series of the Cartier Santos. The Cartier Santos includes many highly popular models, and there is also a wide selection available on the pre-owned market. For this reason, purchasing pre-owned is a recommended option when buying a Cartier Santos.
Gallery Rare is a long-established luxury resale shop founded in 1979, known for its strict quality control and reliable after-sales support, allowing you to shop with confidence and peace of mind. If you are interested, feel free to contact them for more information.
*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of June 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.