Each to their own. The one you sold looks better in almost every way to my eye.

“Tuition paid to the watch gods” is one of the best things ive ever heard 😂😂

The modern medium Santos will always be my perfect watch, and I’m sad it’s not the same for you. To me, it’s the perfect combination of sportiness and dressy. If I want to wear it with a suit, I throw it on the leather strap it came with. If I want to wear it casually, I keep it on the bracelet. I wholeheartedly agree with the high polish bezel though. I feel that I have to be extremely careful with it, because it’s 1000% a scratch magnet.

Great video, Max! I really appreciated how you talked about the realities of selling watches and how its usually at a loss. I think alot of average consumers (like myself) get caught up watching content creators like yourself rotate your collection and think that you’re somehow profiting or breaking even when you sell but in reality even for creators like yourself with such a large network, you find that you often sell at a loss, which is fine but an important reality of the hobby. Thanks for being transparent!

I have chosen Santos 100 medium after a long search. And after 3 years wearing it, still love as the first time I have worn it! Fortunately it was the best choose for me.

I too love my santos 2319 Galbee. My fav watch from my collection. Glad to see somebody else enjoy this watch as much as I do.

I love the Santos Galbee medium. For years, I have seen the Santos medium in lots of best-of and one-watch collection lists. And I have kind of pretended that my watch was on those lists even though I have the Galbee (since 2011). I’m glad that you discovered it to be your favorite too.

I’m glad you’re paying the tuition and I’m reading your notes bc I’ve followed a handful of your regrets and rebuys with the 14060 and PAM177 lol great video as always 🤘🏻

I purchased the Santos medium a few years back, and feel it's damn near perfect every time i wear it.... Having said that, the watch journey is different for each and every one of us, and with time and purchases, we tend to hone in on the right "fit" for us individually. I am at a point I rarely buy a watch that I fall out of love now, almost 20 years into the hobby. Thanks for another great video.

Good pick, I love square and rectangular watches and know just how much wrist presence they have, 29mm still comes off well-sized on most wrists, at 8mm, that's a such a great combination. The current Cartier XL's are just enormous. I'm still in the Tank Louis camp, the rare platinum ones with the ruby cabochon are so choice (and so darn expensive and hard to find).

Refining to perfection through trail of a specific line Best way to do it

I bought a Tank XL as a Christmas present to myself. It makes me happy to just look at 😄

Love the older Santos models. The 90s Santos are some of my favorites. I have a 1997 two toned with a stainless steel dial with gold inlays. I’d never give it up for the newer models.

Guilloché ... learned a new word. 👍 👍 many thanks. Been forever wanting to know how to call this dial.

Tank and Santos are my favorites. Great video ❤

It suits you, Max. I have the 1564 quartz version of the same watch without the guilloche dial. 29mm is perfect for this style and shape of watch, anything bigger is disproportionate in my opinion, perfect for my 6.75’ wrist. It’s such an underrated watch, as much as I love the Carree (will buy one at some point), the Galbee is the perfect transition into modern Cartier without forgetting its roots, it’s sleek, simple, iconic, a masterstroke in industrial design. And in quartz form, can be had for £2k. To any gentleman out there not able to comprehend a 29mm watch… and I was one of them… please please give this one a go, enjoy it and don’t feel diminished by it… it’s classy as hell. Now off to find one in solid gold 😅

I currently only own stainless steel watches with bracelets. The Santos Dumont would be a great addition

Have had the santos large and medium. Going back to the medium. I have a 7.5 inch wrist. just needed a no date. I think both of your choices looked great on you. It's all about the personal preference.

I am actually wearing the santos large right now. Part of what I like so much is swapping out straps which is so easy. Although if you get official ones it is super expensive

I sold my Santos large and I got myself a Panerai Luminor quaranta, very happy!

I bought the medium Santos…then exchanged it for the large in 4 days. I swapped it because the large just wears better in a more casual setting. It is one of my favorite watches and is in my weekly rotation.

I have a large two tone Santos. I purchased it two years ago and love it!

Yeup. Bang on brother! Never doubted my Cartier Santos Galbée #2319 which is two tone gold + steel with guilloché sunburst dial. I searched almost 2 years to find it and probably paid too much. When it arrived, I think there may have been some "funny" business happening as photos did not look like the actual piece! Also I didn't have enough links to fit comfortably on my wrist. So, sent off to Cartier and they did a light refurb and authenticated all--with a hefty bill at the final. BUT, I received back a stunner which, of the many pieces I own, has pride of place in my watchbox and on my wrist. Often I do get more compliments on this, more than nearly any other of my timepieces. By the way, I also highly recommend and LOVE the newest design from SIHH '18 show with the Cartier DRIVE. So much so I own Silver dial and Black dial versions. Fit is very comfortable and they strike a great balance of industrial coolness, sportiness & elegance! And they seem to be outside the main obsessions for Cartier watch lovers, which is a plus for this guy. 🤗

i walk into every cartier i see trying on the santos large trying to convince myself this is the next watch i want, but like you im starting to realize it just isn't the right piece for me. I can relate a lot

Max, another GREAT vid - thank you. I'm sharing with you - I just picked up a vintage c.1990 Santos Carree "Or Massif" and I am absolutely IMBEDDED with wearing it.

I bought a Santos medium just over a month ago to commemorate a new job and I am very happy with it.

Great review & I totally agree with your choices.

I love the large. It’s so thin it just fits great. One of my favorites.

I have the medium Santos and love it But I would consider moving it for the Galbee, (and I adore the wacky Calibre!) because yeah, the scratches is a legit worry when you're not made out of money. great video. p.s. how to move the Santos is the big question to reduce that tuition cost, haha.

Totally agree with your points about the current Medium. I did the same and chose a Galbee. I have the XL. Sorry but I like the date, it’s hidden for the most part but there when you want it. You made the right decision, that medium Galbee is beautiful.

Fell in love with cartier this year. (6.75 inch wrist) I bought both a Carree Two tone, and Galbee 2319 (bracelet amazingly seamless) . Love them, pure class, resembles what the Santos truly should be.

Thanks for the eye candy! Have the Santos-Dumont (and 2 Tanks and a Panthere), and I’m now thinking about getting the Ballon Bleu and the Santos de Cartier as well (probably the green dial for variety). Huge fan of Cartier watches as you can see ☺️🩶

Max,…I enjoyed hearing about your experience with Cartier. You made laugh with your reflection on paying “tuition to the watch gods”. Great stuff. I had an easier journey with the brand. After wearing the same watch for 29 years (!!), I woke up and got started on building a modest collection. I have an 8”/20cm wrist, so my new watches have large to XL case dimensions. My first purchase was a Santos de Cartier large with a grey dial and black ADLC bezel. This versatile model hit the mark for me. The steel bracelet and alternate rubber strap combined with the ingenious quick switch system made this my go-to everyday watch. Notably, the ADLC black bezel addressed the “scratch magnet” issue. My second purchase was a Cartier Tank Must XL with a black leather strap for my dress watch. The XL is large enough for my XL wrist and provided the added benefits of an automatic movement, second hand and date window. My AD was kind enough to comp me a blue leather strap. I couldn’t be happier. The Santos and Tank cover so much ground within a collection. For my hard earned money, Cartier is unrivaled. It is a brand that combines form and function like no other. To experience Cartier is to understand “je ne sais quoi”. All the best!

Your videos are just the best, Max. Along with Harrison Elmore, you’re my favorite watch KZfaqrs

Santos Large might be in my top 10 watches of all time

I think the newest iteration of the Santos is fantastic - but would be a must buy imo if they treated the bezel to discourage scratches and gave us a gioche dial

. I have the Tank LC manual and the Santos Dumont Xl and I am currently looking for a vintage Santos. It just looks way cooler than the newer version.

One of my holy grails! My trinity: omega speedmaster, Cartier santos( the one you have) and Rolex oyster perpetual ( no date ).

Very cool! I have the same - for the reasons you mentioned. Had to do a lot of research, there were several quartz models and also plain white dials, but I wanted the guilloché dial. The cabochon is also faceted - a nice detail for which one needs a loupe 😊 Tried the Santos Dumont XL recently and it’s a giant version of the very elegant Santos Dumont from the old days. Sadly the vintage gold version is £20k 😂

My favourite Santos also! Love the guilloche dial!

I also like the Santos Galbee more than the current iteration of the Santos, which is a bit too rounded for me. My favorite Santos is the grey dial version of the ref. 2319, which is a limited edition made for SIHH in 2002. That one has no chemin de fer or date window on the dial, making it quite unique.

I resonate with this heavy. For me, it was a bit too curvy / oblique. I sold mine and got a tank frank that I love that sits on a leather strap that I love, and was also a fraction of a cost. however... if they ever bring back the same exact galbee you have with an updated movement and Better WR.... oh my gawd.

I picked up the Santos Large with the Blue PVD Bezel and blue dial. I think it has the best looking bracelet in the industry (though Moser's integrated Bracelet is very close) and whilst I understand the Blue PVD Bezel isn't the most classic variant the fact that I NEVER have to worry about, or worry at, scratches on the normal Santo's mirror finished bezel is what matters most to me. I just don't have the stomach for it, it's too cruel. And I LOVE the blue hue they picked, easily my favourite 'sports' watch.

Good choice going with the Galbee over the modern interpretation. I 100% agree with your decision here, which is why I also went for a Galbee. The thinner bezel, not jutting out towards the lugs, is such a better design over the modern version for the reasons you state. However, I have to knock you down for dissing my 2823 Galbee XL. Granted I love guilloche dials, but the date window on the XL is WAY more integrated and less obtrusive than the 3pm spot on the 29mm. The only time I like the 3pm date on a Santos is on the slate or burgundy dials.

I have the santos medium. Love it, keeping it. Buy some cape cod polishing clothes.

Great switch! I prefer the 29mm over the medium. It would have been nicer too if it was older with a creamy dial.

I never used to like the looks of the Santos watches.. but my tastes have changed and they have grown on me visually over the past 5 or so years. I have an 8" wrist and the square watches are hit/miss for me. I'd prefer a matt surround so as to avoid all the nicks and scratches if I were to settle on one. Plus the bracelet would have to have some sort of macro-adj... or it just get's uncomfortably tight or loose on my wrist. Happens w/all bracelets... and I always prefer a bracelet on my watches. Unless we're talking Panerai. The Santos is a cool watch and I hope you've found "the one" for you this go around!

I have the ADLC Cartier Santos...which has that sophisticated yet stealth looking appearance. it solved the problem of the obvious scratches which always drives me crazy

Can I ask where you purchased your Galbee? I assume you can only get them used on the secondary market, but yours looks to be in amazing shape. Was it polished pre/post you buying it?

The older santos models are so much better when it comes to the watch's propotions compared to the modern one. I think you made the right choice there 👌

You made the right decision. Well, after making the wrong one. I've been looking at the santos for my wife and have come to all the same conclusions.

Ballon blu, chrono with black dial. The number of compliments I have received when i wear it is incredible ❤

I like the Santos with a dlc bezel. Looks modern and sportier still.

Had Cartier Tank, bought JLC Reverso and sold the Tank. Now I want Cartier again. Looking at medium Santos in green or white dial.

I struggle with this brand to the point, I have never owned one. It doesn't resonate with me in particular because I have more a sporty persona than one that would be considered more formal to match this brand's aesthetic. But most can resonate with what you went through not really jelling with a particular watch. I prefer round dive and chronograph watches and don't own a dedicated 'dress' watch per se. I have in the past but as we age, we figure out what we like. Will add, one of the things about your channel I like is...I find it educational directed more to 'dress' side of the watch buying equation which speaks to your education and refinement as a man. Thanks for the great content Max. Cartier is a storied brand for sure and I have even considered the Santos but not enough to own one.

You made a good call. It’s kinda sad that I can’t think of a single modern watch that has more character and better proportions than the vintage counterpart. Hence the reason I went with an Omega Constellation 95 over the current version.

Congrats on finding the Santos of your liking. It's a personal preference, but I like Cartier watches (e.g., Tank) with leather strarps. Historically, high-end timepieces came in leather straps. By the way, are you going to Windup in San Francisco? Cheers

Glad you've settled on one that seems to fit you well. I find with the Santos, and Cartier in general it's such a funky, personal look, that everyone will come to different conclusions. Personally, I love the brutalist, indistrial nature of the Carree with those flat links. I just wish it was a little bigger, as it's a little too small for my liking 😢 Cartier is such an odd brand. If you step back, you would think that the watches they make are niche products, only for the cutting edge, enthusiast. They look like nothing else and are shaped so oddly. Yet they are still immensely popular, more than any lther brand besides Rolex. It really speaks to a distinct aesthetic that very few others can match, and none can imitate.

An interesting video thank you for sharing max I prefer the older model you purchased as well. My favourite is the 2787 dumont. One of the simplest but for me one of the best. And the bracelet is terrible imo. Feels like a prx. My problem is having worn so many other bracelets that are SO much better

I notice there are different bezel styles for the Santos. Is the blue bezel less of a scratch magnet?

I tried and bought first a vintage Must De, and although I loved the idea of it - it felt too small and too "regular" for me. I agree with your feeling that it is too obvious choice :) So, I was looking towards vintage Santos as well. But then I got a chance to get for a very good price a previous model of Tank Francaise, automatic large version, Ref. 2302, and it is kind of the best of both worlds, IMO. It has the elegance of the Tank and a bit more industrial feel of the Santos, the same beautiful guilloche dial, and as a bonus, no polished scratch magnet bezel :) It sits like a dream on my 16,5 cm wrist. Really happy about it, love the piece! Maybe, I'll get a vintage Santos at some point, but only a two-tone, otherwise the two watches sit in exactly the same spot for me.

I have the Galbée XL and At 32mm it fits perfectly on my 7inch wrist. As far as the date window goes, I wish they didn't have a date window at all. To me it's a toss up of my date window in the corner cutting off the four or yours making the dial lopsided by losing the three altogether. There is a LE version out there with grey dial , full lume on numbers and no date but it goes for quite the premium.

My Galbee two tone is a keeper for me

Smart change. It wears nice for a smaller watch than your last. I like the bezel is refrained to itself and doesn't try to blend to and through the bracelet. All the other points you mentioned are valid considerations as well.

i kinda like the unusual ballon bleu 39mm ... that would be my go-to in the Cartier catalogue

Cartier did the black lacquer edition of the Dumont with a mechanical movement in the large (31.4mm), they really need to add a version like that to the regular line. Personally, i much prefer straps on these to bracelets.

What size is your wrist? I absolutely love the look of this but fear it could be a bit small. My wrist is 6.75" and i tend to like 38-39mm case and 45-47mm lug to lug.

I think the santos medium was the right choice from the beginning

The Santos Dumont XL was live at first sight for me

Hi. One question please. Is the clasp solid? I mean it never open up by itself when moving/swiming…..? Thanks in advance

I have a two tone Galbee quartz with amazing, almost paper like dial finish. Wouldn’t trade it for any other Cartier, except maybe two tone Carree with burgundy dial.

The only issue I have with the Galbee is that it’s a bracelet or nothing - if you could swap in a leather or, shock horror, rubber strap occasionally it would be perfect

I also recently sold my Santos. How weird is that I watch stalked it for a year. Then, I bought a Cartier Must despite having a YG Tank Solo. Maybe I just prefer the clean look of the minute-hour hands by the Tank design. I also wear my Orient Kamasu most of the time and the Rolex DJ 36 Mint Green.

You forgot the santos 100, amazing one

@WatchCrunch I believe your approach to the Cartier Santos model is correct. It can take awhile with trial and error to find the one that is right for you. Same with Cartier itself when choosing an automatic watch; some can be better than others. The most important part is The Why and rationale with the one you choose. A watch enthusiast serious collector at some stage of their life must have a Cartier in their collection. Beware that what is considered a large in one Cartier model can be a medium in another model. Thorough due diligence is required beforehand. The prestige of owning a Cartier automatic watch is second to none. Sheer class, deep in wristwatch history with the Tank, Santos and others. Even the odd outlier models, never goes out of style and fashion! Enjoy and be happy!

Wow. Couldn’t agree more about the Galbee. I’ve been on the search for years. Would love to hear where you found yours.

100% correct … this is the santos to have … I have it since 4 months… perfect

it was gorgeous

Good choice and great size in my opinion, I have the same reference👌🏻

HaHa! I'm glad we can be still be friends, because I agree that the 4:30 date window on that watch is ghastly!

If ok with strap, try the s-dumont in gold.

info on the grey jacket? 😄

What's the reference of the one you settled on?

“…. does unspeakably dirty things with the light “ ROFLL😊

My experience with NKUWAN was fantastic. The watch arrived quickly and was exactly as described.

100% agree, the new Santos are too bulky, I tried them both in a Cartier Boutique (medium and large) But I did not like them on me, even if I have a decent wrist (18,5 cm) Cartier should be synonimous of elegance and balance, but the new is more about showing off for me, just the Galbee or Carree are well proportioned for me.

I agree with your choice. My issue with modern Cartier. They have turned into a fashion watch brand, in my opinion. To keep costs down, they continue to put quartz movement in their tank lineup. The older stuff is more suited for us collectors.

I have seen Cartier Tanks on bracelet, not my cup of tea but they do offer a few options (Française and Must) for men

Love my 2319. Bought it at auction in autumn 2017 just before the relaunch of the Santos. Back then, Cartier wasn't as hot as it is today. Only bidder, got if for a steal. Will never sell.

i can understand most point of the watch change, especially the scratchy bezel stuff, but one thing for outdoor lifestyle is not at all suitable. 3 bar waterproof instead of 10 bar with actual santos medium, so i would say cartier should bring a smaller medium 😅 with other words a s small santos verrsion 29 to 3o mm with a brushed bezel 🎉 that would be a catch

When it comes to fine imitation watches, NKUWAN delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

I agree that the extended bezel of the santos just doesnt look right, my vote goes to the santos 100 in medium, love the bold indices and best of all, no date.. The 100 might just be my first cartier, maybe one day, when i stop buying panerais

Wish this came out 24 hours earlier. Just got the large yesterday. Now im paranoid my ocd is going to ruin it with a little wear

You seem to have buyers remorse for most of your watches. 😂 Welcome to the club… 😊

I have a Dumont it’s not that dressy and you can wear it with anything also I stay outdoors so it’s nice with a rubber strap from Delugs

U made the right choice!

totally get the struggle of finding the perfect watch match

Huh that Santos you didn’t like is beautiful, better looking than any Rolex I have seen to date!

You made the right choice , beautiful! The Santos is a grail watch for me. you did a good job, thank you

You look like someone who would wear a Cartier. No offense, one of my favorite watches is my Tank. You have good taste. Spot on vid.