Cartier Santos de Cartier Large Model Ref. WSSA0009 / 4075
Luxury Sports / Tool Watch · Cartier (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie and Luxury tier, renowned inventor of the modern wristwatch
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present)
Type
Luxury Sports / Tool Watch
Brand
Cartier (Richemont Group), Haute Horlogerie and Luxury tier, renowned inventor of the modern wristwatch
Movement
Automatic mechanical, Cartier Calibre 1847 MC, 28,800 vph (4Hz), approximately 42-hour power reserve, 23 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter 39.8mm, thickness 9.08mm, lug-to-lug distance 47.5mm, lug width 20mm
Description
The Cartier Santos de Cartier is an iconic timepiece that bridges the gap between classic dress elegance and modern integrated-bracelet sports watches. Originally commissioned by Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, this modern large model iteration updates the historic silhouette with ergonomic curved lines, robust 100-meter water resistance, and state-of-the-art user-friendly bracelet changing and sizing technologies. The clean silver opaline dial, dramatic black Roman numerals, and signature blued steel hands exude timeless Parisian sophistication while wearing comfortably as an everyday luxury companion.
Key Features
Distinguished square case geometry, signature bezel screws, cabochon-set crown, integrated steel bracelet with QuickSwitch and SmartLink systems, and classic Cartier Roman numeral layout
Dial Description
Silvered opaline dial with painted bold black Roman numerals, classic blued steel sword-shaped hands, railroad minute track in the center, and no date display for a clean symmetrical look
Case Material
Stainless steel (316L) with combination polished and satin-brushed finishing
Crystal Type
Sapphire crystal, slightly domed with anti-reflective coating, excellent scratch resistance
Bezel Details
Fixed polished stainless steel bezel integrated into the case design, secured by eight distinctive visible screws
Crown & Pushers
Heptagonal screw-down crown set with a faceted blue synthetic spinel cabochon
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel bracelet featuring Cartier's proprietary SmartLink sizing system and QuickSwitch hidden strap release mechanism
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down case back secured by eight miniature screws, engraved with Cartier cursive script, Swiss Made, Automatic, Water Resistant 100m, Stainless Steel, individual serial number, and reference number 4075
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical, Cartier Calibre 1847 MC, 28,800 vph (4Hz), approximately 42-hour power reserve, 23 jewels
Water Resistance
Rated to 10 bars (100 meters / 330 feet), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and everyday recreational water activities, though not intended for professional scuba diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Switzerland utilizing outsourced base architecture refined into in-house manufacture movements
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2018-present
Cultural Significance
Representing the birth of the wristwatch form factor, the Santos is a monumental design in horological history. Its integration of industrial structural elements into high luxury helped shape the modern sports watch genre popularized decades later.
Condition Notes
The case back displays light surface hairline scratches consistent with careful wear. The screws on the case back are clean and unblemished. The integrated bracelet links show normal light wear without excessive stretch. Overall condition is Very Good to Excellent.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,500 USD, depending heavily on the inclusion of original box, papers, alternative leather straps, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval every 5 to 7 years. Water resistance pressure testing should be performed annually, especially if the watch is frequently exposed to water. Clean the steel bracelet with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 41, Omega Aqua Terra 150M, Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Tudor Royal
Interesting Facts
The original Santos was created in 1904 because aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier that pocket watches were impossible to read while flying. It is widely considered the first purpose-built men's pilot wristwatch and the first wristwatch produced in series.