Cartier Santos 100 XL Review

Cartier Watch Reviews: Santos 100 XL, Roadster S

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 38mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Silver

Strap: Black Alligator

Lug Width: 22mm

Movmt: Caliber 049

Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Water Resistant: 100m

  Cartier is a well branded name and their classic designs are highly recognizable. The Cartier Santos 100 XL self winding automatic is no different. It was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Santos de Cartier watch and what a beauty it is. One of the  advantage of Santos 100 XL is the larger size. It fits in quite well with the recent larger watch trends. Even though it is only 38mm wide, it comes in at 51mm lug to lug. These dimensions still make it very comfortable to wear, while managing to not be “in your face” while on the wrist. This can not be said about some other brands “larger” watch offerings.

  The Santos 100 XL has a brushed case with a fixed bezel. Eight screws accent the bezel, further adding to the sporty nature of the Santos. The sword style hands flow nicely with roman numerals hour indicators. A crown is sometimes overlooked, not the case with the Santos. It has an amazing octagonal crown with Faceted Spinal that is a must see in person. The crown design is one of the best design features.

Pros - Larger design, classic Cartier, top notch fit & finish

Consideration - Price point

  For those who have always wanted a Cartier Roadster there is now a more “affordable” option. The Roadster S is not inexpensive by any means, but does offer a lower entry point to timeless brand. Cartier has done a great take on the classic Roadster, while managing to have the Roadster S stand on its own. This Roadster is 46mm including the crown. It sounds quite large until you consider how far the crown sticks out and the case design. The Roadster S will wear much smaller than most 46mm watches on the market. Cartier did an amazing job on the dial. The Roman numerals are easy to read and the quality of the dial is as to be expected from Cartier. The date wheel is black, this works quite well with the over all design of the dial. Noticeably missing compared to other Roadster’s is the date magnifier, many might prefer this better. The sapphire crystal is hardly noticeable do to the AR coating. The sword styled hands are applied with Super-LumiNova. Cartier went with a high polished case, contrasting nicely with the satin finished bezel. The Roadster S is powered by Cartier’s Calibre 049 and the watch is water resistant to 100m.

  Words to describe the Roadster S would be sporty, dressy, beautifully finished, and unmistakably Cartier.

Pros - New take on classic design, price point, high quality craftsmanship

Consideration - Exhibition caseback would of been a nice added touch

Cartier Roadster S Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Silver

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Lug Width: N/A

Movmt: Caliber 049

Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Water Resistant: 100m