EUROWATCH OC buys, sells, and trades the Cartier Santos from its showroom at 3388 Via Lido Ave in Newport Beach. Every Santos is authenticated before it's listed, and buying one from EUROWATCH OC usually costs less than buying new at the boutique. The business has sold luxury watches since 2015 and has more than 350 five-star Google reviews. See what's in stock in the Cartier collection and the new arrivals.
For most buyers, the steel Santos de Cartier Large on the bracelet is the one to start with. It works as an everyday watch, swims to 100 meters, and has a shape nobody mistakes for anything else.
Where the Santos came from
Louis Cartier designed the Santos in 1904 for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviator who needed to read the time without letting go of his aircraft's controls. A pocket watch couldn't do that. The result was a square case with a flat bezel held by exposed screws, and it's one of the earliest wristwatches designed for a man.
Cartier brought the Santos back in 1978 in steel and gold with screws running down the bracelet, and that version became a symbol of the 1980s. The Santos Galbée followed, then the larger Santos 100 in 2004 for the model's centenary. The current Santos de Cartier arrived in 2018 with a slimmer bezel that flows into the bracelet, the QuickSwitch strap system, and SmartLink bracelet sizing.
Current Santos de Cartier references and prices
These are the core steel Santos de Cartier references with approximate secondary-market prices as of October 2026. The dial color and completeness of the set affect any single watch. Call 949-994-0114 for a current number.
| Reference | Model | Case | Movement | Approx. market price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSSA0018 | Santos de Cartier Large, silver dial | About 40mm steel | Automatic caliber 1847 MC | $6,000–$8,300 |
| WSSA0029 | Santos de Cartier Medium, silver dial | About 35mm steel | Automatic caliber 1847 MC | $5,500–$7,400 |
| WSSA0037 | Santos de Cartier Large, ADLC black bezel | About 40mm steel | Automatic caliber 1847 MC | $7,000–$9,500 |
| Two-tone and gold | Santos de Cartier, various | Medium and Large | Automatic | Call for pricing |
Cartier also makes the Santos-Dumont, a slimmer, dressier version usually on leather, with quartz or hand-wound movements. It costs less and is a different watch to wear.
Vintage and discontinued Santos models
- 1978 Santos de Cartier: the steel-and-gold relaunch with screws on the bracelet. Good originals are affordable and wear small by today's standards.
- Santos Galbée: the slightly curved version made through the 1980s and 1990s, in quartz and automatic. It's one of the best-value ways into a Santos.
- Santos 100: the larger centenary model from 2004, with a bold case that suits bigger wrists.
Buying a Santos at EUROWATCH OC
Every Santos passes EUROWATCH OC's multi-point authentication before it's listed: the movement, the caseback reference and serial, the bezel screws, the dial printing, and the secret signature Cartier hides in the Roman numerals. The documentation comes with the watch. The Via Lido showroom has a private viewing room, walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available. Out-of-town buyers get free, fully insured FedEx Express shipping in one to two business days, and every purchase has a seven-day return window.
What to check on any Santos before you buy
Look at the bezel screws first. They should be crisp, evenly spaced, and unmarked, because a slipped screwdriver leaves scratches that are hard to remove. Check that the QuickSwitch mechanism releases cleanly and the SmartLink bracelet adjusts properly. Confirm the reference on the caseback matches the papers, and ask whether any original straps are included, since they add value. For quick answers on sizing, movements, and value, see the Cartier FAQ.
Selling or trading your Santos
EUROWATCH OC buys Cartier Santos watches outright with a same-day valuation and immediate payment. Box, papers, extra straps, and all bracelet links strengthen the offer. If you'd rather move into something else, your Santos's value goes directly against any watch in stock. Start at sell and trade.
Santos or Rolex?
Buyers deciding between a Santos and a Rolex Submariner or Datejust are usually choosing between design and resale. The Santos costs less, looks dressier, and has more personality; the Rolex holds its value better. The full comparison is in Rolex vs. Cartier.
Cartier Santos FAQ
Where can I buy a Cartier Santos in Orange County?
EUROWATCH OC sells authenticated Cartier Santos watches at its showroom at 3388 Via Lido Ave in Newport Beach, including the Santos de Cartier in medium and large sizes. Stock changes often, so check the Cartier collection online or call 949-994-0114.
How much is a Cartier Santos worth?
As of October 2026, a steel Santos de Cartier Large WSSA0018 trades around $6,000 to $8,300 on the secondary market, and the steel Medium WSSA0029 around $5,500 to $7,400. Gold and two-tone versions cost more. Condition and a complete box and papers move the price within each range.
Should I buy the Santos Medium or Large?
The Santos Large, about 40mm, suits most men's wrists and anyone who wants a sportier look. The Medium, about 35mm, suits smaller wrists and wears closer to the vintage Santos. Because the case is square, both wear larger than a round watch with the same measurement.
Is the Cartier Santos a good everyday watch?
Yes. The current Santos de Cartier is water resistant to 100 meters, runs on Cartier's automatic caliber 1847 MC, and has a steel bracelet you can resize without tools. It's one of the few dress-leaning watches that handles daily wear and swimming.
Does the Cartier Santos hold its value?
The steel Santos holds its value better than most Cartier watches, but like most of the brand it usually trades below boutique retail. Buying from the secondary market is the main way to save on one.
Does EUROWATCH OC buy Cartier Santos watches?
Yes. EUROWATCH OC buys Cartier Santos watches, current and vintage, with a same-day valuation and immediate payment, or takes them in trade toward another watch.
Can I trade a Cartier Santos toward a Rolex?
Yes. EUROWATCH OC applies your Santos's trade value directly against a Rolex or any other watch in its Newport Beach inventory. Santos owners moving into a Submariner or Datejust is a common trade.
Shop, sell, or trade a Santos in Newport Beach
Shop Cartier · Sell or trade your watch · Call 949-994-0114
EUROWATCH OC, 3388 Via Lido Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Open Monday through Thursday 10am to 5:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday noon to 5:30pm.