The new Santos de Cartier watches have already managed to drive the watch lovers’ community crazy. The Santos collection had already been one of the public’s favorites when recently, the appearance of the All Black model created an explosion of opinions, admiration, and criticism of course.
In general, the Santos All Black watch showed the bold and daring face of the Cartier brand. Not that the world hasn’t known this side before; but no one expected such a level of audacity. Either way, we have to admit that the watch is in really spectacular shape. First of all, it stands out enormously from the range of Cartier watches due to the abundance of black. Secondly, it is a great accessory to be observed thanks to its sturdy yet extremely fashionable look. Thirdly, the quality of the materials promises amazing resistance and longevity. But, are all these specifications also valid for replica watches? I propose to stop guessing, but take a replica watch in hand, and analyze it from all perspectives.
Case and bezel of the All Black Cartier Santos replica watch
All Black means All Black, literally. This imitation proposes an explosion of intense black on its entire surface and interior. The first impression this replica watch creates on me is a mix of severity and elegance. The brand promoted this watch as being made of ADLC, which stands for Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon. In fact, the case of the genuine watch is made of stainless steel, the upper layer of which is processed with ADLC.
According to the promises of our manufacturers, the Santos All-Black replica watch also seems to have an ADLC coating. But I cannot say this with certainty, because I am not an expert in materials. The texture of the replica watch indeed differs from the traditional texture of pure stainless steel. I assume it’s the ADLC effect. But only manufacturers know what they really used.
Theoretically…
The ADLC coating should enhance the watch’s resistance to impacts and scratches. In the same context, the watch should be much more resistant to corrosion, considering that it is protected by this specific coating. At the same time, experts claim that this material also provides the benefit of keeping the sleek aesthetic of the timepiece. I don’t know if it’s just a marketing trick or not, but this ADLC coverage seems to be an absolute innovation. We’ll see…
Either way…
When I first saw the model in the pictures, it seemed to me that it was quite big. But I was wrong. The replica watch is as versatile as can be, measuring 39.8mm in diameter. It seems to me a neutral size, I would say, maybe even a bit small for wider wrists. At first, sight seems that almost 40 mm is a universal size. Honestly speaking though, the replica watch looks visually more subtle due to the short lugs and beveled edges than it is.
An interesting chromatic accent that debates the monotony of black is the 8 silver screws on the fixed bezel. Speaking of the bezel, I must admit that I am fascinated by the gleaming and thorough polish on it. I don’t know if the visual effect is caused by ADLC costing or not, but it’s a real pleasure to observe the finish of the bezel under different light angles. By the way, the same finish can be found on the entire surface of the case. I must admit that the manufacturers have made an appreciable effort regarding the finish.
Crown and caseback
A refined and extremely captivating detail in this replica watch is the architecture of the crown. It has protection in the form of crown guards and has a faceted structure with sloping sides. Watch admirers have already managed to criticize such a design. According to them, the grooved edges are much safer. For me, such architecture provides a fairly good grip, so you have nothing to worry about.
A curious thing is that Cartier refused the blue sapphire cabochon that it so passionately includes in the Santos Dumont watches. Alternatively, the brand opted for a black synthetic spinel appearing at the top of the crown. This approach harmonizes completely with the overall black concept of the entire watch. At the same time, it emphasizes how attentive the brand is to details. Equally careful were the replica makers who accurately reproduced the design and architecture of the crown with all its complementary details.
From what I can see in the knockoff…
They strictly respected the size of the crown, as well as the space between the crown and the adjacent platforms. Like the original model, the knockoff has a solid stainless steel caseback. Unlike the genuine model tough, this one doesn’t seem to have the ADLC coating, because it looks like a regular stainless steel plate with a brushed finish.
I notice that the caseback plate is compact, hermetically, and securely attached to the watch case with the help of screws. According to the manufacturer’s data, the replica watch has a water resistance profile of up to 25 meters. It doesn’t sound as promising as the 100 meters of the genuine timepiece, but it’s not too bad for a knockoff either.
It is important to test the replica watch under pressure with the help of an expert, in case you plan to perform diving activities with this watch. Manufacturers can promise a lot, but this does not mean that their promises are always trustworthy. For this reason, you better make sure.
The dial of the All Black Santos replica watch
The dial of the replica watch is as intense in black as the entire construction. However, if the case somehow alludes to the sports style, the dial is all about elegance, as is the whole Cartier. The dial platforms have a square shape with curved corners to add a refined accent. Sword-type hands have a long and slender silhouette. These hands point firmly towards the Roman time indicators, whose solution is also visually extended.
In addition to the hour, inside the seconds, the replica watch also illustrates the date. You can find the date aperture instead of the 6 o’clock indicator. Its frame is fine, not at all pronounced, and has a black background, just like the entire dial.
To improve legibility, Cartier applied an inner minute track in open silver markings. They noticeably contrast with the similar black backdrop due to the material world filling. in this sense, the replica watch becomes even more legible, once the visibility in the room decreases.
The manufacturers opted for sapphire crystal in this replica watch. And I’m glad that I don’t really come across replica watches with mineral crystal lately. The crystal has amazing transparency due to the anti-reflective coating. Also, the anti-reflective coating improves the image of the dial, no matter from which angle you look at it.
Technical details
The Cartier brand has been equipping its watches with in-house movements for a long time. For this model, the brand opted for Cartier Caliber 1847 which drives all the watch functions including the date. According to official data, this watch in its authentic version has an accuracy of +/-10 sec per day. In terms of resistance, the watch works up to 42 hours, in the context of full winding.
Of course…
… the All-Black Santos imitation does not have such a mechanism. We would have liked that so much, wouldn’t we? The manufacturers though have integrated a SWISS ETA1847MC movement in this imitation. According to the reputation of this mechanism, it promises quite reliable stability. It is not the most promising movement in terms of power reserve, so it lasts up to 26-28 hours or so. However, it is the mechanism that will not make any trouble regarding steadiness and reliability. The repair rate is very low and for watches with few functions, this mechanism is more than welcome.
Cartier Santos All Black replica watch strap
The authentic model is available in 3 strap options. For now, the manufacturers have supplied us with 2 types of straps. It is of stainless steel and has a black rubber strap that we have in stock at the moment. The third strap option that we still lack is the alligator black leather band. The manufacturers gave us assurances that they would deliver the leather bands in 2 weeks.
What I want to say is that the stainless steel bracelet knockoff looks totally different from the rubber strap watch. The strap changes the essence and character of the replica watch 360 degrees. The black rubber option is more to my liking, to be honest. I like the soft texture of the material, I like the screws on it, and I love the bold appeal that this strap gives. Speaking of comfort, I feel the bracelet firmly on my wrist. And I like the security I feel thanks to the stainless steel folding deployant buckle. From what I understand, the leather band has the same closing mechanism as the rubber band.
In contrast…
The stainless steel bracelet benefits from an adjustable clasp that allows you to lengthen or shorten the bracelet to your liking. Unfortunately, the replica watch bracelet is not identical to the authentic one. The original Cartier bracelet has a Smartlink system for its adjustment. This is an innovative mechanism that is still unknown in replica factories. The good part of things is that you can change the bracelets of the replica watch extremely intuitively and easily between them. The interchange formula is very simple and you don’t need any tools. If you are thinking of ever getting this replica watch, opt for at least 2 types of straps. Trust me, you will need them!
Variations of the All Black Santos replica watch model
In addition to the 3 basic options of the WSSA0039 replica model, know that you can also find alternatives with small design changes, which could captivate you even more. One of the recommended models is the WSSA0018 replica watch, which comes dressed in black diamonds.
Of course, the diamonds are not genuine in this knockoff. But these are decent imitations that look extraordinarily shiny. The case and bezel of the imitation coincide in size with the WSSA0039 model. The difference is that they are completely “soaked” in studs, turning the accessory into a real statement piece. Another difference is the color of the dial, which this time is covered in silvered opaline. The date aperture is also found at 6 o’clock, only the background is white to create contrast.
Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0037
If you still feel that the full black body is too much for you, here is a great alternative. The Santos de Cartier WSSA0037 replica watch is the closest “friend” of the WSSA0039 model. It shares the same design and dial, being different in the outer material. The WSSA0037 replica watch has the traditional silvery aesthetic where the dial remains black and the bezel is dark grey. The case and bracelet feature a bright silvery tone, eliminating the feeling of too much black.
The case of the watch coincides with that of the initial model, that is, it measures 39.8mm in diameter. The imitation is available in 316l stainless steel and you can pair it with either a metal or rubber bracelet. The texture of the case is to be appreciated; it has a decent brushed finish. Since it is a light-colored model, it seems to me that the metal bracelet suits it better. But I don’t want to influence your opinion. Like its counterpart, this imitation resists up to 25 meters and runs on a Swiss ETA mechanism.
Bottom line
Cartier watches enjoy an impeccable reputation in the watch industry. They have an extremely fashionable style and are recognized by all admirers of current fashion. At the same time, Cartier knows how to make them comfortable, so that they can be loyal partners in everyday life.
As for the Cartier replica watches that I mentioned today, I have to admit that their quality is quite promising. I did not notice any critical errors in their execution. The models are somewhat simple and it was not very difficult for the manufacturers to execute them. In this context, whichever of them you like, be sure that they will serve you loyally and reliably.