BQ Watches is a London specialist in luxury timepieces, proud to present our curated selection of used and pre-owned Cartier Santos watches. Celebrated for its iconic square bezel, visible screws and elegant lines, the Santos watch blends everyday versatility with distinctive style.
Every second hand Cartier Santos we offer is authenticated by our in‑house experts and assessed for condition and performance.
At BQ Watches, we make buying a pre-owned Cartier Santos a pleasure - clear, accountable, and hassle free, drawing on three decades of UK market expertise. Connect by phone, email, or in person and deal directly with seasoned professionals who offer straight, practical advice. We provide same day valuation, competitive part exchange options, and strong trade prices with instant bank transfer, all from a permanent London showroom. Every luxury timepiece is verified, even where boxes or papers are absent, and shipped via insured Special Delivery to £25,000 with free returns and easy collection. With standout customer feedback and recognition from respected watch voices, we’re the go to choice whether you want to sell your Cartier Santos or buy used these luxury watches with confidence.
Choosing a pre-owned Cartier Santos offers excellent value and a far broader range of options than buying new. The secondary market opens the door to discontinued references, sought-after two-tone designs and vintage Cartier Santos models that are no longer available at retail, alongside more contemporary pieces.
Buying second hand in the UK also means avoiding international shipping delays, import duties and added costs.
In addition, a carefully selected pre-owned Cartier Santos can significantly reduce depreciation compared with a brand-new purchase, allowing you to enjoy an iconic design that retains its timeless appeal and long-term desirability.
Several factors influence the price of a pre-owned Cartier Santos:
Condition: Overall condition has a strong impact on value, particularly the sharpness of the case, bezel screws, dial condition, bracelet stretch and clasp wear. The Santos’ angular case means over-polishing can quickly soften its defining lines, so well-preserved examples typically command a premium.
Reference & Generation: The specific reference, size and generation—such as Santos-Dumont, Galbée, Santos 100 or modern Santos—can significantly affect desirability. Certain production eras and discontinued models are often favoured by collectors and influence pricing.
Case Metal & Configuration: Material choice affects both price and wearability. Stainless steel models are the most liquid, two-tone designs are a Cartier signature and often offer strong value, while full gold references are more condition-sensitive but highly desirable.
Movement & Service History: Quartz and automatic movements appeal to different buyers, with automatics generally attracting stronger collector demand. Documented servicing by Cartier or a respected specialist adds confidence, particularly when original components are retained.
Dial & Variants: Dial colour, finish and originality can influence value. Classic Roman numeral dials remain most popular, while certain colours or less common variants may appeal to collectors. Dial condition is especially important on modern pieces.
Box & Papers: Original box, papers and accessories improve confidence and resale appeal, especially for later models. For vintage Santos watches, service history and provenance can be equally valuable.
Market Demand: Prices are shaped by UK market demand, availability and seasonality. Popular steel and two-tone references often sell quickly, while rarer models may take longer to source but offer long-term appeal.
Created in 1904 by Louis Cartier for pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Cartier Santos is widely recognised as one of the first purpose-built wristwatches, designed to be worn on the wrist for practical use rather than carried in a pocket. Santos-Dumont required a timepiece that could be read easily while flying, and Cartier’s solution would go on to change the course of watchmaking history.
Its distinctive square case, visible screws and clean dial marked a radical departure from the traditional pocket watches of the era, signalling a shift toward modern, functional design. These defining elements not only enhanced legibility and durability but also established a bold aesthetic that remains instantly recognisable today.
Over the decades, the Santos has evolved through refined dress models, two-tone classics and more robust, sport-oriented interpretations, all while retaining its core design language. As a result, both early vintage Cartier Santos references and later generations continue to hold strong appeal for collectors, admired for their historical significance, versatility and enduring elegance.
Santos‑Dumont
Dress‑leaning, slim profiles with classic Roman numerals - ideal for formal wear and slimmer wrists.
Santos Galbée
Curved case and integrated bracelet beloved by 1980s–2000s enthusiasts; often superb value on the pre‑owned market.
Santos 100
Bolder proportions and sporty presence; a favourite for those who like a larger Santos watch.
Modern Santos
Contemporary designs with easy strap/bracelet changes and everyday versatility; widely available in medium and large sizes.
Two‑Tone Steel & Gold
Signature Santos look with screw‑decorated bezel and bracelet; quintessential vintage Cartier Santos appeal for UK buyers.
Sizes: Typically Small, Medium and Large options to suit different wrists
Materials: Stainless steel, steel & gold two‑tone, and precious‑metal variants
Dials: Classic silvered with Roman numerals alongside sunray or coloured options on some models
Movements: Practical quartz and automatic choices across generations
Bracelets & Straps: Integrated bracelet designs plus leather straps; modern models often allow quick changes
Everyday Wear: Flat case profile, legible dial and secure bracelet make the Santos a versatile daily wear
For men: Medium and Large sizes are the most popular, with steel or two‑tone finishes offering versatile daily wear. However, recent trends have seen smaller timepieces spotted on celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet. Across different generations, the Santos has been offered with both quartz and automatic movements, catering to practical everyday wear as well as traditional watchmaking preferences.
For women: Small and Medium sizes deliver elegant proportions; quartz movements suit occasional wear, while a vintage Cartier Santos in two‑tone offers timeless style. Our team can help you compare sizes in person at our London showroom.
At BQ Watches, we don’t just sell, we also source. If the Cartier you want isn’t listed today, our London specialists can locate it quickly and securely so you receive precisely the reference you’re after, whether you are looking to exchange or sell, after a fresh valuation.
