If I could only keep one
By Priya Nair, Singapore ·
I would keep this one.
Not because it's the most beautiful Cartier, it isn't, but because it's the one that fits the most of my life. The medium is 35.1 mm across and 8.83 mm thick, which means it sits flat under a silk blouse and still looks substantial with a T-shirt. The square case with its exposed screws, a design that goes back to 1904 in spirit, is one of the most recognisable shapes in watchmaking, and in steel with a silver dial it goes with absolutely everything, gold jewellery included.
The practical details are what make it a daily watch. 100 m of water resistance, so a swim at the condo pool is fine. The QuickSwitch system lets you change from bracelet to strap without tools, and SmartLink lets you resize the bracelet yourself, which in Singapore humidity, when your wrist swells by late afternoon, is a small mercy. No date, which keeps the dial clean.
Now the less flattering part. The 1847 MC gives 42 hours, which is fine but hardly generous for 7,350 to 7,900 dollars. The polished bezel scratches easily and shows it. And there are rivals to consider at the price, a Chopard Alpine Eagle 36 or an Omega Aqua Terra if you want something sportier.
Even so, steel Santos models have held their value better than most Cartiers, and that matters. If you're going to own one steel bracelet watch for the next decade, I'd make it this, in this size.
A word on gold colours, since clients always ask. The two-tone version with a yellow gold bezel and gold bracelet links is the one people photograph, and it looks wonderful with yellow gold jewellery. But steel is the one you'll never tire of, and it doesn't clash with a rose gold ring or a white gold tennis bracelet. If you're buying one Santos, buy steel. If you're buying a second, then talk to me about two-tone.
The large exists. Try the medium first.