Cartier Santos-Dumont Large vs Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel

In-Depth Comparison

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large and the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Cartier and Cartier is a brand that needs no introduction. Comparing two models from the same manufacturer comes down to purpose, design philosophy, and intended use case. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Santos reference was introduced in 2019, while this Santos reference debuted in 2018. The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large beats the Cartier 430 MC caliber running at 32,768 vph with 4 jewels. The Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel is powered by the Cartier 1847 MC with a 42-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 25 jewels.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large features a 43.5mm case at 7.3mm thick with a 51.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel comes in at 35.1mm and 8.8mm thick with 41.9mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 52g, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, 8 screws bezel, while the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, 8 screws bezel. On the wrist, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large comes on a Black alligator leather strap with Steel folding buckle, while the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel is fitted with Stainless steel bracelet with SmartLink system featuring Folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel to 100m / 328ft. For water sports and diving, the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large lists for $4,200 compared to $7,250 for the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel. The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $3,050 at retail. On the secondary market, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large trades around $3,800 while the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel commands approximately $6,500.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large and the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Large delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium Steel is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.