My parents bought me a Cartier octagon santos watch with the Gordon bracelet when I graduated from high school in 1982. No, it’s nothing compared to the new santos in your video. That watch was everything to me. I wore it day and night and once a year, I would take it to Cartier to be polished, battery changed and sometimes they had to change the glass. About 30 years later, during the 2007/8 recession, my businesses were doing poorly and everything was falling apart. I needed money. So without hesitation, I sold my precious watch. I had many other nice watches, and to this day I don’t know why I decided to sell the santos. The minute I walked out the jewelry store, after having sold my watch for nothing, I regretted my decision. But I thought I will get over it, forget about it. I didn’t. 15 years later( last month) I started looking for a used one. It was in perfect condition, and yea I bought it for 3 times the price that I had sold it. The minute I put it on my wrist, I felt like I had my life back, all those years, my memories, my youth and my past. I look at it and wear it almost everyday with the kind of emotion that I cannot describe. Yes, it’s just a watch. Material stuff and no it wasn’t the one my parents gave me. But it doesn’t matter. I know it sounds shallow to feel all those things about a stupid watch when there are so many more important things in life, health being number one. I don’t know but I was lost without it. My identity to myself was lost. Now, I feel like I own my past again….I am once again me.

The trick is to not let your possession own you, but you own them. I used to be super obsessed with taking care of expensive stuff I bought too, but somewhere along the time, I started to not. I dont know if it's due to me maturing as I grow, or my income level increasing, or both, but I dont care anymore. I still love fancy stuff, the difference is, they are not my number one priority. My previous car had 2 bumper replacements because I was crazy about the smallest dents and scratches, my designer clothes and watches were carefully attended to, etc. but now, I live happily with my scuffed up lexus, sratched up watch collections, and clothes with wear and tear. It's funny, now I see my Omega with a huge scratch and giggle about the incident that caused it. It kinda adds personal character and memories. I wont forcefully bang it around, but if it scratches, it scratches. I think this mindset also works in everything else in life too and now my life is super chill and easy. I love it. I hope others in the watch community start to continue cherishing their nice watches, but also find a balance where to not let their life be dictated by their watches.

Was surprised to see this video come up given how excited you were leading up to and when you got it. But watching it, I honestly appreciate your humility in selling it. I think it's a good lesson to see.

Count me in as one of the folks who bought a Santos Medium after seeing your video(s) on it last year. I work in a business casual environment and it works perfectly. I am the kind of person who buys once and cries once. I have never sold a watch, but that's because I do a ridiculous amount of "watch stalking" and careful consideration before I buy. Maybe this will change as my collection grows though? I also do not run a KZfaq channel that requires constant production of content about new and exciting things. Takes a lot to keep the kids entertained, I know.

I have a dog running business. Super active lifestyle, so generally wear tool watches and G Shocks. I had always written Cartier off as a brand that didn't make anything my style. Then last month I went to a local watch shop and saw a pre-owned Cartier Santos 100. Two-tone bezel on a leather strap. I tried it on and could not believe how much I loved it. Dressy yes, but way sportier than it had any right to be. I bought it! It was already a bit wabi-sabi, so there wouldn't be any worry about scratching the bezel. I can imagine buying one brand new and being stressed out about that. I love it and I can't believe that I do. I totally understand why you bought it and why you sold it. Great video as always

“I kept that bezel as untouched as most of you in high school.” Damn it you did a great job 😂 But yes, bye Santos 👋

I bought my Medium Santos after watching your video over and over again. I love it, had it about 6 months and it’s scratched like crazy. The first one is always the worst, but I kinda dig it with a scratched up bezel… looking forward to what you get next!

MIND BLOWN!!! 🤯😅 I get your points for moving on from the Santos. I was one of the ones who fell in love with the Santos partially due to your videos about it. I am so happy to own one today, and for me, it's a keeper for life!!

After owning a Med size Santos for almost 4 years I wanted to get myself the XL for my 60th birthday, about 2 weeks later I came across a page about high end clones and decided to give it a try. Once came I compared it to my original Cartier (in terms of quality, feeling of the steel etc), I understood one thing, China can't be beaten. There is no chance ANYONE will be able to spot it as a fake, Even the inside movement is identical. The build quality and finish put a lot of legitimate Swiss brands to shame.

I had my eye on the Santos for a while and during my research I stumbled on your review of the blue dial version. Great vid. It put me over the edge so I bought one. Expensive yes but I've never regretted it, still love it and now waiting for a couple of straps from Delugs. I think it's cool that you influenced a new crowd to appreciate such an old style and yet the curviness, roman numerals etc. not for everyone. It's all good man. Keep the great content coming.

The black tie joke was hilarious 😂 I’m happy to hear you had great memories with the Santos but I agree it’s better to own a watch you’ll actually wear than to let one sit in the watch box. For me the Santos is one of my best watches, I don’t mind the scratches and it helps dress up my casual outfits which I like. Looking forward to what comes next for you!

Thanks for the honesty! We all go through our watch phases. You inspired me to try the medium Santos. Now own it. Love it. Keeping it.

Very interesting, but totally get it! I had the Large Blue Santos for a short time and sold it for all of the reasons you mentioned. It was beautiful, but damn near illegible. And even on my 7.5” wrist, it felt too big. Currently wearing a Tank XL which is definitely the fanciest thing I’ve ever owned, but in my semi-dress/business casual office environment it doesn’t feel out of place. We’ll see how I feel after a week or so. Thanks for the great video!

I've wanted one before your video and I still want one now. I'm 35 this year and the goal is to save and get one for my 40th. I feel that by that time it would suit the stage of life I see myself being at when I'm 40, not that I wouldn't say no now...but I totally understand the concern of owning something that just won't clock up the mileage you want out of it.

I have the two-tone version and the polished gold bezel kinda makes the scratch magnet part of it come full circle. It's SO prone to scratches that it gets scratches so quickly from barely even touching it! But its scratched up state is surprisingly super attractive too and it really adds character and personality to it. In the first few weeks of ownership I was so ultra careful with it, and now I just feel...free wearing it.

I love how you describe your departure with the Cartier like a relationship which served its purpose but you outgrew it. Lovely video

I feel like the scratches is what tells the story of a watch. Personally I’m passing mine (once I purchase mine) I’m passing mine down to my children. Your reasons for reselling your watch is as legit as someone’s who worked hard to purchase one. I appreciate your insight.

That was really spot on, you are terrific :-) The sentence to inherit is: "I'd rather change my watch collection than my personality". I am one of those stalking the Santos but I now I am the 44mm Panerai or knurled rotating bezel guy. If I put a Santos (as much as I like it) in my watchbox, the other watches would be like "Uhhh, who's that - Dude, you came to the wrong bar here" :-) LOL

I love my Santos. Sure I could have bought a Rolex, but the Santos is so unique. I work in a formal environment and do go out from time to time so this watch is perfect for me. Pro tip - Cartier can replace the bezel and I think it's under 500.

I bought a Santos Medium last summer in Cartier Rome. Like you, I was worried about scratching but the lady in the store basically said the watch is made for everyday use and the scratches are the watches story. Just made me feel so much better and less cautious about it. In saying that, it has been my biggest watch spend to date so I still only wear it on occasions but I’m not overly careful with it as I plan to keep it for life and as I said, scratches can be a story.

Being a fan of small watches, small even for my 6" wrist, I have a Galbee 24mm. It's tiny, but I love it. It's got a beautiful guilloche dial and the date between 4 and 5. I can barely read the date on it but I don't mind

So this is what betrayal feels like. Seriously though, glad you're having fun feeling out your style over time. You turned me on to the Santos early in my watch fandom journey. Much appreciated.

I was eyeing the Medium Santos for a long while and finally got one, probably under a bit of your influence. Yeah, it's a scratch magnet and the first few really hurt. But now I feel free to wear it like any other watch and I accept all the scratches. I dress super casually but I find it still works for me and it's going to be a lifer in my collection. It's the only watch that's comfortable enough to forget about and I often end up sleeping with it which I can't do with any other watch. I'm glad you got to experience the watch. Makes sense to move on. Can't wait to see what you get next!

"untouched as most of you in HS" is gold, Jerry. Gold!

Watches are there to be USED ... if you are afraid of scratches, the watch clearly was too expensive for you. Buy every watch as a beater watch, no matter how "special" it is.

For me, scratches on a watch is a mark of character of the user but, a compliment of the durability of the craftsmanship. I will wear my santos until I am gone from this world. And that i hope that it finds another wanderer to keep time with!

The day you release a video telling us you've sold yours I went to collect mine. May one man's journey end and another start. And YES your shiny videos definitely contributed to my decision. Thanks for all the great content

Honestly, the bezel can be easily cleaned by taping off the watch and using a jeweller’s cloth. I love my medium Santos and I like the swirlies on the bezel, kind of its version of “patina”.

I think you should go for Casio for those two reasons that you gave up santos 😂

I completely get you! I found a great deal for an amazing Reverso Duoface from the early 2000s in a tiny local store and I bought it. I was amazed by the watch and the horological value of the piece, and I really enjoyed it for some time. But, eventually, I realized the watch didn’t match my lifestyle (at least tho period of my life), so I sold it and I have no regrets. Can’t wait to see what’s next to you!!

You made really cool shots for each type of clothing witch is very very rare on youtube. Video quality is 10/10

IMO that is why you have different watches for different occasions. I do spearfish, paddleboarding, scuba dive and mountain bike and I always have a watch with me. I wear my dressing omega when I go for dinner to a nice place, wear my Tudor/Oris for work and my beat up Certina for the beach.

“I kept that bezel as untouched as most of you in high school.” Literally had to pause the video cuz I started bursting out laughing 😂

I was at Cartier AD yesterday, looking to buy a ballon bleu for my mum, and I made the mistake of trying on the santos. It’s a very attractive watch. So, looking turned to buying, and the assistant was going to sell me the model I had on my wrist, which had a large scratch on the polished bezel. I pointed this out and 30 minutes later, she returned and the scratch had been erased. She had taken it upstairs and they had buffed it out. I still didn’t take that one, which I know is insane, but in my head it wasn’t new anymore, and that’s what mattered. She’s ordering me a fresh one. I share this story because it’s important to realise that these are solid steel watches, and the scratches can be fairly easily buffed out by a skilled watch maker. I think that’s quite a freeing notion.

Just like Mark, Santos deserves to be worn. I respect that you know when to let watches go, I can't even sell off my 30$ fashion quartz watch :/

Mister, as a 'boring sport watch guy' I constantly re-watch this video whenever feel like giving up to the temptation of getting myself a Santos

Brother the santos medium was a perfect match with your hand gestures and flawless skin. I wear a Nautilus 5711 everyday even sleep with it. I also bike Italian road bikes and restore Italian cars. Always a Nautilus all scratched and bang up I love it it has character like me this season old passionate man that loves beauty and life.❤❤❤❤

Man it looked SO GOOD on you!

That’s too bad…. It should be an enjoyment to wear a wonderful watch. No matter how much it cost, it’s not a trophy, it’s still just a watch, meant to be worn on the wrist and tell time. They’ll all get scratched and they’ll all need service.

Honesty is always appreciated and yes there is some flash to the Santos despite being a vintage piece. I do however find it wild or strange that cotton cuffs could actually scratch the watch. Maybe you really went into extreme nitpicking here. Maybe you were just unfortunate. Who knows. To me it gives a watch character and history when it gets scratches. It shows that the watch has lived a life, not just sat on a shelf. It looks beautiful btw.

I absolutely LOVE my Panthere. Like you, I am more of a sports person and very active, so my daily watch is an Apple Watch (Cough). I also own a Rolex & an Omega, which both pretty much stay in my closet. I am now eyeing a Cartier Tank. I love delicate and luxury watches and would not sell any of them - ever. Basically I see them, as I do my other fine jewelry as heirlooms. This Santos may become part of my wishlist.

can't take any of these watches with you to the grave friend, enjoy it while you're alive because someone else will one day

It just looks better and better with the light scratches. A timeless tribute to a plane’s construction, pretty sure Mr Santos appreciated. Absolute classic. Bad decision.

I lived in fear of scratches on my blue Santos until a spring-loaded steel door smacked onto it during a trip to Chicago back in 2019. Ownership has been a lot more enjoyable/relaxed since. 😅 I had it on while hiking Yosemite's Vernal Fall that same year and Upper Yosemite Fall just last month, and it's been quite the reliable companion. Finally picked up an all-ADLC Santos from our Santa Barbara side trip, too. At least scratches are pretty much irrelevant to that one...

Your Santos experience is EXACTLY my Reverso experience. So THANKS! Because I was also contemplating the Santos medium. No longer (unless I gift it to a young lady afterwards).

I can resonate with your decision. During my collection experience, I left go an IWC, a JLC and two rolexes (rootberr / skydweller). All of those were excellent watches that I really loved but turned out with some aspects that I no longer appreciate through the ownership experience. So eventually had to let go

it's a classic. I like the rubber one a lot. Super comfortable, and makes the roman numerals less dressy. Main problem is that regular servicing for them is $$$.

I think scratches are part of the experience of wearing a watch as long as you don't dent it. Scratches add personality and soul to your watch. Guys don't be afraid of scratches. Embrace them.

We've all been through this, lusting after a watch for some time, getting the money for it and buying it. Then the honeymoon ends, you still like it but you start looking at new releases and something catches your eye. Theres nothing wrong with selling a watch that you loved, when theres so many other watches that are waiting for your wrist. At the end od the day, you only live once and there are thousands of watches out there.

Love the santos! For this same reason I bought mine with diamonds all around to prevent scratches

I sold my Cartier Santos 100XL a few months ago ; I loved this watch, but somehow I got bored of it (it was my only watch, apart from some quartz watches). I decided to purchase a Speedmaster instead and don’t regret it. I think this watch isn’t made for people who only wear 1 watch, but it is perfect in a collection. It might get back on my wrist one day!

A watch like any precious item is enhanced by it use. My collection of beautiful functional classical watches will be handed down to my son and grandsons, hopefully to be appreciated for their uniqueness. Yes I wear them everyday, regardless of what I am doing and take them off only if they are in danger of being damaged. Scratches are like winkles, they add to the beauty and history of the watch.

I rocked this piece today. awesome.

Thank you for your honesty. I loved your original review and have been on the fence regarding the Santos for a few years now. I think it's just not meant to be for me, as I have just ordered a DJ36 white Roman dial, which makes the Santos redundant/too similar. I have a problem with buying a watch which depreciates as soon as I leave the store as well, contrary to Rolex. I think my next watch will be the 124270.

I think the only time people get “upset” is when it comes to straight up flipping watches for a profit.

Thanks so much for your honesty regarding the Santos. It’s definitely going to be my next watch purchase.

Well those are totally reasonable and rational reasons to sell. As you've said in the past, "you should love all the watches you own, but not own all the watches you love". Words to live by in a collectors life. I wear a suit daily for work so I could pull off the Santos, but that price is a bit prohibitive for anyone worried about scratches, myself included.

The bezel on any Santos can be polished and eventually be replaced if necessary. Yes they scratch easily, but its not catastrophic. I have the large stainless Santos and picked up a backup used bezel stainless bezel on ebay for

The second point was totally valid. Some people don’t understand having/owning something you love can be stressful.

I feel pretty much the same way about selling my newly acquired Baltic MR01. Watch was awesome, but it just wasn't me (guess I'm not awesome). Sometimes you gotta buy and get rid to understand yourself

This is one of the best posts I've ever seen about watch owning and watch taste. Thank-you for posting!! It's so helpful to see something about why someone would NOT want to keep a watch. We should all have many watches we LOVE but are not really US, just like with cars, architecture, and clothes. The beautiful thing about watches is that there is no clean hierarchy, and anyone who says there is, doesn't have a strong sense of identity. Watches should be personal, and everyone should strive to have a "selling my Santos" moment. That's perhaps when you become a true collector.

i bought it around the time you posted the blue. sold it around the time you bought the medium. still miss it. definitely the watch that got the most reactions from social media

Oh man it looks so good on you!

I cannot trust you anymore because after watching your santos review. I got santos.

Strange times we live in. Nothing lasts anymore lol. We don't hold onto anything precious anymore.

This is the kind of watch that slowly grows on you

Your reasoning makes sense. I actually just bought the blue large santos model last week. I stalked it for months. Your video was part of that stalking. I bought it pre owned, but it was still my largest watch purchase yet. I dont regret it and I love it. But, i work in an office, wearing button down shirts and slacks. The most dressed down i get is a polo and jeans mon-fri. So this works for me. But i hear you on that bezel...i worry about it constantly

I bought a Santos in 2001 & after 20 years of owning it I decided to sell it. I bought a load of different watches for the money & it started an obsession that saw the number of watches I owned grow to over 25. I know exactly what you mean about the bezel & casing. Stainless steel, in a highly polished state, doesn't take a lot to start to look dull. Grease from your own hands discolour the metal alone & the slightest scratch or ding leaves you in despair. It's a high maintenance piece that isn't an every day wearer. It's a special occasion watch, the only way to keep it looking as stunning as it does when first bought. I love the Santos despite my observations, so much so I recently bought a Santos 100 mid size. It'll be worn 10-12 times a year but I wouldn't be without it. It feels like the return of the prodigal son :)

I bought the large 2 tone white dial model, looks great. I love it.

I’m crying at the untouched joke😂😂😂

dream watch. currently slated to be the first big post school purchase. glad you enjoyed yours.

Imagine being upset that a guy from the internet sold a watch? Beautiful watch, and your love letter video to that watch when you were in the honey moon stage with it was truly spectacular. I’m not surprised that you inspired thousands to buy that watch. But like most every object that we buy eventually we get tired of it. I’m glad you had that beautiful watch and made that amazing video of it. Good on you to recognize that it was time to move on instead of letting it waste money and space in your watch box

Thank you for the straight-up story on this. You did the right thing.

It does scratch easy. But I bought it as an everyday watch so I accepted that it will scratch. My kid will have it one day.

The Santos with the grey strap is so incredibly good looking. Like you I'm not so "fancy" but damn.........

The Cartier Santos in steel and gold was my first "luxury" watch which I bought in 1984 at age 18. Of course I wore it every day on any occasions; it was always on my wrist. It did not get scratched other than the usual hairlines. It went for service twice. The first time as I saw water dew inside and the second time as its original bracelet from 1984 got totally worn out that it was not safe to wear anymore as it could open-up and I could loose my watch. I retired the Santos of my youth after that service but I feel that pretty soon I should take it out from it's retirement.

I love that watch close to buy the big size!

I really appreciate this video. I am one who wants a Santos, and even after watching this video... i still want a Santos :) Bravo for walking the path you're on !!

You're also the reason why I got hooked on the Santos! And you're two reasons are exactly why I got the all back ADLC version WSSA0039 instead of the steel white dial. The black dial and rubber strap dress it down and keeps it a bit more casual in my opinion. And I'm definitely not as scared about getting those micro scratches you get on the shiny steel. Thanks again for the content, on to the next obsession!

I too purchased Santos up on your review Nov/Dec. 2021. Having said I'm about to sell it as well. I'm just t-shirt/jean guy so there is good chance I'm going to let it go soon. thanks again for awesome/honest review!

Well - I bought one having watched your review and a few other reviews as well I might add! (I am, surprised at how influenced I have been by the 'influencers'!) My Cartier de Santos is two tone medium and I love it - I may glimpse it when I am driving, or against a white linen tablecloth - it has both presence and individual style. I seem to prefer my Cartier with the navy blue alligator deployant strap which, for me, gives the Santos a lighter and more sophisticated look, as it discreetly hugs my wrist. I am still cautious with it and I am also looking for something else, in addition, which will be more of an all day, carefree wearer. As to scratches - they ALL scratch! I give the Santos gold bezel a gentle rub now and again with a polishing cloth...it looks brilliant. When I was younger - my only watch was a workhorse - it had to be...but "One enchanted evening you may see a stranger across a crowded room".......and think......I am wearing the wrong watch!

You keep surprising us with unexpected takes on watches. Keep it up!

Ive followed your channel for 2 yrs, best yt channel out there, how are there not 100k subs by now??

I bought a Cartier Santos 25 years ago and I still love it , it’s so classy , and yes like me it is a bit worn now!

This is exactly how I felt about my Reverso! Too dressy to wear (no matter how icuh you tell yourself it's okay to wear casually) and too finely polished to wear carefree. This video is spot on!

Good think they just released a PVD Bezel!! Whoot, problem solved. Bought the new one yesterday.

I bought a santos.

Awesome, after this video there will be an influx of used Santos on the market and hopefully they all will compete with each other and lower the average price down.

your video quality is on a different level!

Totally. The polished bezel is super easy to scratch and very noticeable once it does. Cartier is smart to release the DLC black bezel for this reason. Ironically the old style bezel doesn't look as bad if scratched because it is raised. The new one is more flat and wide.

man that 2nd point is so legit! i feel you brother

I love this succinct take on this particular watch and watch collecting in general. Well done.

Buy the Santos with the grey face and black DLC bezel. It comes with steel and rubber bands, it's much more sporty to suit your lifestyle better, and the DLC bezel means you don't have to worry about scratches. All the upsides of the Santos with the classic heritage looks, but with a sporty twist. I own one and love it.

I got the large two tone one and youre right about the scratches but i really Dont really care that much, it is meant to be worn and just like you say it is impossible to not get any scratches

If I could bring myself to spend 10K on a watch, I would get the Santos, hands down. It's the only watch I can't build one like.

I subscribed because of this video because of how well you articulate your opinion on this watch. Thank you.

With moving to a fully remote job, I find myself dressing much more casual also, and that's the biggest reason why I held off on the Santos also.

Great vid! You do you! I’m still saving up for the santos and you were/are the inspiration for me to eventually get this watch. I can’t see why people feel offended by you selling your santos but the whole part about being untouched in high school… that hurts man! 😜

Aw I would have kept it. Mostly because they will continue to go up in price. It also looked really good on you. But ....that's neither here nor there as you've already sold it.

"Despite being a delicate snowflake, I'm just not a fancy dude." Absolute classic line. I wear a suit or sport jacket and tie approx 3 1/2 hours a week. I can get away with a Superocean, least I think I can. For that amount of time, this beautiful watch is not for me, either. Great video, Evan, thank you 👍🙂