The community of watch lovers goes crazy about sports watches with integrated bracelets. They are both comfortable and versatile for almost any occasion. Lately, I notice that watch hobbyists are looking at Cartier Santos watches more and more frequently. I am not even surprised by this fact. I never had doubts about this brand, considering its creative potential.
Readers of our blog often ask me if Cartier replica watches are as popular as Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet imitations. I realize that Cartier is slowly coming to be valued at the same level as the iconic brands. My answer to the readers’ question is always “yes”, which means that Cartier can really be considered a decent alternative to the big players in horology. In some cases, it really seems to me that Cartier watches easily surpass their competitors due to their modern spirit.
Either way, it’s good to know that Cartier watches are always welcome in a watch collection. But which exact model deserves the most place in our watch collection?
Today I decided to explore some Cartier Santos replica models. I want to share with you the differences and similarities between them, so that you know their specifics well, in case you are looking for a new ally for your collection of replica watches. With this in mind, I invite you to join me and see together what the replica industry has to offer.
A historical look
Let’s remember how the Santos watch collection came about. Even if later I will address Santos imitations, I think it is always welcome to know something about the history of the authentic collection. This is the only way you can perceive the full value of a watch model.
So, let’s start with the fact that the Santos collection appeared as a result of a beautiful collaboration between the brand itself and the Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont. The last one was none other than an aviator passionate about height, speed, and risks.
Santos-Dumont addressed the Cartier brand with a special request. Santos had asked for a watch that would cope with the specific flight conditions because he was going to wear the watch in the cockpit. This required a robust case with legibility people had not seen until then. I’m dramatizing a little, but you got the point…
This is more or less what an aviator would need in his watch. Add to this the fact that in those days, men did not really have the privilege of a wristwatch. Pocket watches were popular then. Cartier took responsibility though and came up with a wristwatch with a leather strap, which would become the first wristwatch for men and also a pilot’s watch. It is about the Cartier Santos Dumont model.
By the way, the Santos-Dumont model is available in the replica version right in our store. We have some stunning models in 904l stainless steel. You can opt for a pure steel case or a polished one with yellow gold. Both look pretty good, but I have to admit that the clean steel model is closer to my heart.
The evolution of Santos watches
Now that you know that everything started with Santos-Dumont, it’s time to know that the collection has evolved over time. Consequently, you will find a multitude of models featuring the Santos name, all slightly different in design, materials, and functions. The most obvious change in the Santos line refers to the jump from a leather strap to an integrated bracelet. Being inspired by its predecessors Royal Oak and Nautilus, Cartier decided to bring a full steel option to the market. This happened in 1978, the year Santos watches conquered the public in their stainless steel version from “head to toe”. Besides the new design that reflected a sporty vibe, the brand also came with a bonus. It launched additional two-toned as well as skeletonized designs.
Delighting the audience with such a versatile and resonant collection, the brand continued to create, later releasing models such as the famous Santos Galbee or Santos 100. Fortunately, we have them all in their replica alternative and I will talk about their specific characteristics in the following passage.
The Cartier Santos 100 Replica Watch
You are probably wondering what exactly the element “100” in the model name refers to. Well, it refers to the 100 years that the Santos collection celebrated in 2004. Accordingly, this model is an anniversary one. The specificity of these watches consists of the relatively generous dimensions of the cases. A few years ago, replica manufacturers used only stainless steel to produce fake alternatives. Now, however, the manufacturers have already started experimenting with materials such as carbon and titanium, so that the imitations coincide as much as possible with the authentic versions.
Santos 100 replica watches are an optimal option for lovers of expressive and visually ubiquitous accessories on the wrist. They attract by their classic direction expressed by Roman hour markers, which combine with a contemporary spirit expressed by the robustness of the case. To illustrate the point, let’s look at a particular replica watch model. I will analyze the Cartier Santos 100 1:1 Mirror Replica Rose Gold Watch 42mm in detail so that you can better understand what it means.
Cartier Santos 100 1:1 Mirror Replica Rose Gold Watch 42MM
This imitation is the best reproduction so far. The replica watch benefits from a genuine Swiss nickel plated ETA 25761-2 automatic movement, with 25 jewels. I can’t help but notice how smooth the sweeping seconds’ hands of this knockoff are.
As I said before, the timepiece has Roman hour makers, that decorate the watch with a strong vintage spirit. On the other hand, the case looks very modern thanks to its square shape with overlapping layers of the bezel. Also, the 8 screws on the bezel add severe and extremely contemporary air. By the way, the construction of the case involves 5-mill thick pink gold plating, which sounds extremely promising for a knockoff.
Traditionally…
Replica manufacturers have combined scratch-proof sapphire crystal with this replica watch. The crystal benefits from an internal and external anti-reflective coating to improve its visibility.
The imitation is offered with a genuine leather strap in which you can find the same engravings and markings as on the authentic model. The proportions of the replica watch are exact to the originals. That is, we are talking about a case of 42*42mm and 16mm in height. Of course, the watch is not exactly a thin one. But, don’t forget that the purpose of this model is to be noticeable on the wrist.
On the other hand, I understand that the 16mm in height is not exactly comfortable for the majority of watch lovers. If you are among them, know that there are more optimal alternatives that I will talk about right away.
The Cartier Santos Dumont Replica Watch
The Cartier brand presented its latest update for the Santos Dumont collection in 2004. Even though it is not exactly a new model, I love it for its refined and delicate details. For the most part, the current Santos Dumont model does not differ much from what Cartier presented in 1904. The watchmaker has kept the rounded corners of the bezel, as well as the famous blue cabochon. Let’s see what Santos Dumont replica watches entail.
For this, I will refer to a certain model, so that you can get a general impression. One of the models that attract me the most is the Santos-Dumont LIMITED EDITION platinum leather strap (WGSA0034 ref.)replica watch. This model has something amazing about it. First of all, the silver dial looks extremely attractive in combination with the stainless steel case. By the way, the manufacturers used 316l stainless steel to make this watch.
At the same time…
The imitation benefits from a quartz mechanism. Maybe you should know that authentic watches also run on such a mechanism. The brand set out to launch something more affordable, for this reason, it opted for a quartz movement.
Returning to the replica model, it benefits from a diameter of only 31mm, alluding to a dress watch. On the dial, we see the same Roman hour markers specific to most Cartier watches. Manufacturers used platinum for the execution of hour markers.
The disadvantage of this replica watch is the red cabochon, when in fact it should have been blue. I have already notified the manufacturer of this small error. Soon, we will receive the corrected version of the watches.
Cartier Santos Galbée Replica Watch
I’m sure you don’t know much about this model. However, I think you must draw your attention to it because it does not yield at all to the more popular models.
Referring to the authentic model, it debuted in ’87. With its appearance, the audience knew more refined shapes and more sophisticated and rounded edges.
Due to the more delicate silhouette of the case, the replica watch seems more comfortable to me compared to the other models. In addition, I find the steel bracelet with 2 screws on each link absolutely remarkable.
On the other hand, what makes me not really resonate with this replica watch is its dimensions. The knockoff has a case of only 28mm, which is way too small for me. Even if the dial has clear legibility, it seems to me that it loses legibility once I put this watch on my wrist due to its small size.
Generally speaking…
The execution of the replica watch looks quite good. The manufacturers reproduced the Roman hour markers very well, as well as the hands’ silhouettes. What I don’t like, however, is the fact that the crystal is made of mineral glass. For a very long time now, I have no longer worn mineral crystal watches in favor of sapphire crystal. For me, mineral crystal is a strong dealbreaker.
In conclusion, this replica watch is gaining ground due to its refined aesthetics. On the other hand, the dimensions and execution of the crystal leave much to be desired.
The most worthy Santos replica model, in my opinion
After analyzing all the Santos replica watches on our AAAReplica store, I found myself the most in Santos ref. 2961 replica watch. I tested all replica models on my wrist, so I understand how they feel. The decisive factor in favor of the Santos 2961 replica watch was its proportions. It seems to me that the 29mm * 41mm fit best on my wrist, generating nothing but a feeling of absolute comfort. I don’t mind the edge of the bracelet, I don’t feel the case is too heavy or too robust. In a word, I feel like I can do anything with my wrist, without feeling like I have a watch in my hand.
I felt more or less the same sensation with a Datejust imitation last week. It was about a 36mm knockoff that seemed small to me at first. But after I put it on my wrist, I understood how well it fits.
Either way…
The plus of the Santos ref. 2961 imitation consists not only of comfortable proportions. More than that, the watch bracelet plays not only an aesthetic role but also a balancing one. That is, the bracelet has such a specific architecture that it visually balances the case of the watch, so that it does not seem too small.
This imitation also benefits from an attractive design for both sexes. And I, who love to share my replica watches with my wife, see in this only a strong plus.
As for the execution, I can only praise the work of the replica manufacturers. They reproduced very successfully both the silhouette of the case and the details inside the dial. The imitation has an irregular brushed finish in places. But considering that the knockoff is supposed to be a neo-vintage piece, this type of brushing makes absolute sense.
Cartier Santos Replica Watches: Conclusion
The community of watch lovers is turning to Cartier imitations more and more. Personally, I recommend all lovers of Cartier watches pay particular attention to the Santos collection of imitations. The reason is that these watches perfectly combine modernity with style and tradition. Apart from that, replica manufacturers have amazed me with the execution quality of these knockoffs. You just have to decide on the right size and design. And be sure that you can never mess it up with a Santos replica watch.