{"id":10312,"date":"2024-12-27T03:16:20","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T08:16:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/?p=10312"},"modified":"2025-06-07T10:58:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T14:58:04","slug":"cartier-santos-medium-vs-large","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/cartier-santos-medium-vs-large\/","title":{"rendered":"Cartier Santos Medium vs Large: Which Santos Size Should You Get?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to watches, picking the right case size is like choosing the perfect pair of jeans. It has to fit just right; not too tight and not too loose. It needs to feel like a watch that has been designed for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, the colors, metals and technology are important but for me, size is one of the most important aspects of a watch because it changes how it feels on your wrist, how it wears day to day, and how it looks to everyone else. <\/p>\"bot-only-image\"<\/a>\"bot-only-image\"<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Most of us have tried on several round watches in our lives, so those feel a little easier to size up. But the Cartier Santos? That is a little bit more complex. Its square case with curved edges throws everything you think you know about sizing right out the window. It\u2019s bold, stylish, and designed to turn heads, which makes nailing the size even more important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now, the Parisian watchmaker offers the Santos in two main sizes: Medium and Large. And if you\u2019re debating between the two, know that you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s a common dilemma for anyone eyeing this timeless watch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, without further ado, let\u2019s get to know the Cartier Santos collection a little better and help you figure out which model will suit your wrist, taste and budget best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cartier Santos Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Cartier Santos is definitely up there with one of the most iconic<\/em> watches in history. I try not to use that word too often, but it feels warranted in this case. It\u2019s a watch that dates back to 1904 when Louis Cartier, the founder of Cartier watches<\/a>, joined forces with his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviation pioneer, to create a pilot\u2019s watch. Santos-Dumont wanted a timepiece that he could check mid-flight without having to fumble with a pocket watch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you read that right. The Cartier Santos was indeed one of the first wristwatches ever created. In fact, it\u2019s known for being the first men\u2019s wristwatch invented (the first women\u2019s wristwatch goes to the Breguet No. 2639 which was designed for Queen Caroline Murat of Naples in 1810 by Abraham-Louis Breguet.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cartier Santos made its debut in the early years of the 1900\u2019s, boasting a sleek, bold and distinctive square-shaped case that made it stand out even more from the classically round pocket watches of the era. It was a watch made for innovators, and it quickly gained a reputation for being as daring as the man it was made for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward to the 1970s, and the Santos saw a major glow-up. Cartier introduced the Santos de Cartier in steel and gold, making it one of the first luxury watches<\/a> to embrace steel in a big way. This was a time when luxury was all about gold and precious metals, but Cartier went ahead and mixed things up. And of course, it worked. The Santos became an icon of casual elegance, a watch that could do it all from black-tie galas to lazy Sundays.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the Santos has seen countless updates and variations. There\u2019s been new materials, different sizes, and all sorts of dial options. But no matter how much it\u2019s evolved, the Santos has always stayed true to its roots: a square case, exposed screws on the bezel, and that unmistakable blend of form and function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then came 2016 when the watch was discontinued, disappearing altogether from the French watchmaker\u2019s portfolio. But thankfully, that didn\u2019t last long, because Cartier brought the Santos back in a big way at SIHH in 2018. The revamped Santos retained all the design elements we know and love but added modern updates that made it even more wearable. For one, Cartier introduced the SmartLink system, which lets you adjust the bracelet without any tools. Plus, they threw in an interchangeable strap system, so you can switch between leather and metal effortlessly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design-wise, the modern Cartier Santos is a dream. The square case has just the right amount of curve to hug your wrist comfortably. The bezel now flows seamlessly into the bracelet, giving the watch a more streamlined look. And those exposed screws are still there, loud and proud, as a nod to the watch\u2019s industrial-chic vibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to choosing a specific model, the Cartier Santos collection has plenty of choice. Want a classic white dial<\/a> with Roman numerals? Got it. Prefer a skeletonized dial that shows off the movement? That\u2019s on the menu too. Case materials? Take your pick from stainless steel, gold, two-tone, or even ADLC-coated black for a more modern edge. There\u2019s a Santos for every taste and occasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while picking a dial design or case material feels relatively straightforward, deciding between the Medium and Large sizes can be a touch more difficult. After all, the Medium and Large are both gorgeous and they share much of the same DNA. So how do you choose?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartier Santos Large vs Medium \u2013 The Right Size for You <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I hate to break it to you but choosing between the Cartier Santos Medium and Large isn\u2019t going to be easy, even with our advice. First of all, I highly recommend you head into your local authorised Cartier dealer and try these watches on for size \u2013 literally. It\u2019s the best way to know which model will suit you best. But if that\u2019s not possible, here are some tips on how to help you pick the right Cartier Santos for your wrist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First things first, neither of these watches should be considered small. While some brands use terms like “medium” or “mid-size” as code for \u201cladies\u2019 watch,\u201d Cartier isn\u2019t playing that game here. The Santos Medium measures 35.1mm by 41.9mm, and trust me, even described as \u201cmedium\u201d, it still makes a statement. Thanks to the square case design, it actually wears larger than a round watch of comparable size, so don\u2019t let the \u201cmedium\u201d label fool you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Large, on the other hand, takes things up a notch. At 39.8mm by 47.5mm, it\u2019s a serious wrist presence. It\u2019s also a touch thicker, with a height of just over 9mm. This is the Santos that demands attention the moment it peeks out from under your cuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also worth considering the very slight difference in technology here. While both the Cartier Santos Medium and Large models are powered by the same movement, Cartier\u2019s in-house calibre 1847 MC, the smaller variant comes without the classic date window at 6 o\u2019clock. This might not make much difference to everybody, but I know plenty of watch collectors out there \u2013 myself included \u2013 that prefer a dateless display for a cleaner dial layout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at the end of the day, both sizes are statement pieces. The Santos has never been a watch designed to fade into the background, it\u2019s meant to be noticed. The polished bezel with exposed screws, bold Roman numerals, and square case all scream confidence and style. That said, the Medium offers a slightly more refined vibe. It\u2019s bold, yes, but not overwhelming. It\u2019s the kind of watch that fits a little more seamlessly into any setting, whether you\u2019re at a business meeting or a casual dinner. The Large, however, is unapologetically bold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to take into account your own wrist size<\/a>, mainly for comfort. If your wrists are on the smaller side, the Medium will likely sit better. Its smaller dimensions make it less likely to feel bulky or overpowering, and it\u2019s less prone to knocking into things during your daily routine. The Large, while still comfortable, is a heftier piece. On smaller wrists, it might feel a bit top-heavy, and there\u2019s a higher chance of accidental bumps or scratches. But if your wrists are on the larger side, the Large Santos will sit beautifully, offering that perfect balance of presence and proportion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there are a couple of design differences worth noting. While both share the core DNA like the square case, prominent screw-decorated bezel and in-house movement, certain dial designs or materials options are only exclusive to one size. For example, the Cartier Santos Large often gets more adventurous variations like a skeletonised dial which showcases the inner workings of the movement and cases in ADLC coating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the Cartier Santos Medium sticks to the traditional dial layout with Roman numerals and cases in classic stainless steel and gold. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer the timeless elegance of the original Santos, and less so for those that want something a touch more modern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Should Go for the Medium?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cartier Santos Medium is perfect for someone who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n