The Cartier Santos replica watch, born in 1904, was the world’s first wristwatch specifically designed for aviation. Its creation stemmed from the deep friendship between Louis Cartier and Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The Santos watch is a milestone in watchmaking history, elevating the wristwatch from an accessory to a fashionable everyday accessory. As one of Cartier’s most iconic designs, the Santos watch is renowned for its square case, exposed screws, and Roman numeral dial, showcasing a unique blend of elegance and modernity.

Summary

• 1904: Louis Cartier designed the Santos watch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, pioneering the men’s wristwatch.
• 1911: The Santos watch officially entered commercial production and sales.
• 1978: Cartier launched the new Santos collection, featuring exposed screws and an integrated bracelet, becoming a classic symbol.
• 1984: The Santos Ronde collection debuted, breaking away from the traditional square design with a round case, showcasing diverse styles.
• 1987: The Santos Galbée collection was introduced, with a curved case design that better fits the wrist, improving wearing comfort.
• 2004: To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Santos watch, Cartier launched the Santos 100 model, featuring an oversized square case and thick bezel, exuding a sense of power.
• 2018: The modern Santos collection debuted, incorporating innovative technologies such as the QuickSwitch quick-change system and SmartLink intelligent link adjustment, enhancing practicality and the wearing experience.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the fake Cartier Santos collection’s development, from its innovative origins in aviation history to its current status as a paradigm of luxury watch design. We will explore the friendship stories behind this timepiece, its design evolution, and why the Santos watch continues to exude irreplaceable classic charm more than a century after its inception.

Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos-Dumont: The Birth of a Legend

Long before the Santos collection became a classic in the modern watch-collecting world, its initial purpose was to solve a practical problem. In the early days of aviation, pilots still relied on pocket watches for timekeeping, but this tool was neither convenient nor practical when flying early aircraft. It was against this backdrop that Louis Cartier, inspired by the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, blended practical needs with aesthetic design, creating a timepiece masterpiece that was functional at its core, yet possessed both elegance and timeless charm.

Friendship in The Paris Sky

The story of the replica Cartier Santos watch didn’t begin at a jeweler’s workbench, but rather in the skies of Paris. In the early 20th century, Alberto Santos-Dumont earned widespread acclaim in French society for his pioneering achievements in airships and aircraft. This wealthy Brazilian pilot was a prominent figure in Parisian high society. It was there that he met Louis Cartier, the third-generation jeweler who took over the family brand in 1899.

During a flight, Santos-Dumont realized that checking a pocket watch required releasing the control stick, which was not only extremely inconvenient but also dangerous. Later, while dining at the famous Maxim’s restaurant in Paris (a gathering place for celebrities where Santos-Dumont and Cartier often met), he discussed this problem with Cartier—and it was this conversation that led to the creation of a groundbreaking timepiece.

Louis Cartier’s Solution Is Beginning to Take Shape

To solve this problem, Louis Cartier designed a wristwatch that could be worn on the wrist, allowing Santos-Dumont to easily read the time without releasing the operating mechanism. In 1904, Cartier gifted this square watch to a friend—it featured a leather strap and a design that was both practical and elegant. The flat case conformed to the wrist, and the clear dial made it easy to read the time, making it the first wristwatch ever designed specifically for men.

Santos-Dumont wore this watch while flying, quickly attracting the attention of Parisian high society. As we mentioned in our “Ladies’ Cartier Replica Watches Buying Guide,” wristwatches, while existing for some time, were generally considered women’s accessories. The Santos watch changed this perception—it was designed for practicality, fulfilling specific needs while simultaneously possessing aesthetics and function, becoming a symbol of masculine elegance and modern spirit.

From Personal Gifts to Public Icons

What began as a personal solution tailored for a pilot quickly became a symbol of a broader shift in people’s perception of time. The super clone Cartier Santos collection not only transitioned from private to public wear but also successfully redefined the wristwatch as a modern, masculine tool, rather than merely a novel accessory.

Seven Years of Exclusive Operation

For its first seven years, the duplicate Cartier Santos watch belonged only to its first owner. Louis Cartier initially created the timepiece as a token of affection and care for his friend, with no intention of commercializing it. However, as Santos-Dumont’s flying feats became widely known, the unique watch on his wrist also gained fame. By 1911, Santos-Dumont had become one of the world’s most famous aviators, and the watch that accompanied him in his conquests of the skies had become part of his iconic image.

That same year, Cartier decided to release the Santos watch to the public. The retail version retained the core design elements of the original: a square case, Roman numeral hour markers, and clean, architectural lines, perfectly preserving the watch’s original spirit and style.

The Shift in Timekeeping Culture

This public release marked a significant turning point in the history of replica luxury watches—it symbolized the beginning of the first major jewelry brand designing and launching a watch specifically for men. The timing was also perfect. The subsequent outbreak of World War I demanded rapid coordination and precise timekeeping from soldiers on the battlefield, making watches an indispensable tool.

Wristwatches thus demonstrated irreplaceable practical value. What was considered a novel design in 1904 had become standard equipment by 1918. The knockoff Cartier Santos watch played a leading and foundational role in this historical transformation.

Evolution Through the Decades: The Santos Timeline

Since its inception in 1904, the Cartier Santos replica collection has undergone numerous evolutions. Each generation has kept pace with the times, incorporating new design concepts while always retaining the iconic elements that make the Santos collection unique.

The Original Santos-Dumont (1904)

The first Cartier Santos-Dumont replica watch featured a square bezel, a cream-colored dial, Roman numeral hour markers, and a leather strap. Its refined and elegant appearance combined jewelry-like sophistication with practical functionality. Compared to modern watches, this early model had a smaller case size, designed for the generally slender wrists of people in the early 20th century.

Key Features:

Commercial Release (1911)

When Cartier replica watches UK manufacturer first launched the Santos watch, it retained the square case design but incorporated a combination of materials. The overall design followed the style of the original 1904 version, while the manufacturing process was optimized to make it available to a wider range of high-end customers.

Key Features:

Santos de Cartier (1978)

This marks a landmark transformation in the history of the Santos brand. After decades of launching the Santos-Dumont collection in various forms, Cartier introduces the all-new imitation Cartier Santos collection. The new collection features larger watches with thicker cases, reinterpreting the brand’s iconic style with a more avant-garde design language.

Key Features:

Launched in 1978, the Santos de Cartier replica transformed the wristwatch from a mere fashion accessory into a sporty timepiece. Its integrated strap design maintained the original’s cohesive look, seamlessly integrating the case and clasp. Exposed screws became one of the series’ most distinctive features, serving both as a design element and a practical function.

Santos Ronde (1984)

Besides the iconic square case, another important branch of the counterfeit Cartier Santos collection is the round Santos model. The first round watch was launched in 1984, a design that contrasts sharply with Cartier tradition—it features a round case but still retains classic Santos features such as exposed bezel screws and Roman numeral dials.

Key Features:

Over the two decades since its launch, the Cartier Santos Ronde replica collection has introduced numerous different designs to attract a wider range of consumers. This series demonstrates Cartier’s willingness to expand the Santos family with new styles, offering a traditional round watch to those wishing to join the Santos collection. The series officially ceased production in 2005, and the Santos Galbe model was also discontinued at the same time.

Santos Galbée (1987)

The Cartier Santos Galbée replica watch is characterized by its case, which conforms flexibly to the wrist and features a more rounded curvature than previous models. The name “Galbée,” meaning “curved” in French, perfectly encapsulates this watch’s most prominent design feature.

Key Features:

The AAA Santos Galbée collection is designed for those who don’t find the 1978 Santos watches too avant-garde or sporty. It interprets the Santos style with a more formal and elegant design, making it perfect for pairing with formal attire.

Santos 100 (2004)

Cartier has launched the Santos 100 watch to commemorate the centenary of the original Santos watch, which was first introduced in 1904. This watch is Cartier’s largest and most innovative version to date.

Key Features:

The 1:1 Cartier Santos 100 replica collection garnered widespread attention from collectors upon its release. Some appreciated its unique design and clear homage to the Santos family tradition, while others felt it strayed from the classic and refined style of its predecessors. Regardless, this demonstrates Cartier’s readiness to modernize classic designs to meet the demands of the contemporary market.

The Modern Version: Santos de Cartier (2018)

The fake Santos de Cartier watch, launched in 2018, can be seen as Cartier’s final interpretation of this design. The new version abandons the flamboyant style of the 1978 model, optimizes the proportions of the watch, and incorporates several technological innovations.

Key Features:

The Design Elements of The Santos

Square Case

The square case is a core feature of the Santos collection and a key element distinguishing it. As mentioned in our super clone Cartier Santos watches buying guide, while round cases were the most popular design before and after the Santos’s inception, Cartier never shied away from exploring geometric shapes with sharper lines influenced by Art Deco.

This square design not only makes the watch stand out on the wrist but has also gradually become a signature element of Cartier replicas. It has influenced not only other Cartier collections but also had a profound impact on the entire luxury watch industry.

Exposed Screws

The exposed screws on the bezel serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. The eight evenly distributed screws add a strong technical feel to the watch, a design closely related to the avionics of the Santos collection. Screws have become a signature element of the Santos and have been extended to other Cartier collections, from the Panthère de Cartier replica to various jewelry pieces. Through this design, mechanical function is cleverly transformed into a unique aesthetic element.

Integrated Bracelet

In 1978, the Cartier reproduction factory first introduced the integrated bracelet design to the Santos collection, eliminating the visual separation between the case and the bracelet. The seamless design gives the watch a unified feel on the wrist, like a complete work of art rather than two separate components.

This bracelet typically consists of alternating brushed and polished links, adding depth and sophistication to the overall look. This integrated design later became a signature feature of many high-end sports watches.

Roman Numerals and Dial Design

The Santos watch dial retains the Roman numerals from the original 1904 design. These numerals not only make the dial classic and legible but also subtly pay homage to the historical heritage of each new Santos watch.

Blue Cabochon Gemstone Crown

The crown is set with a synthetic sapphire, featuring a blue cabochon design, adding elegance and luxury to the watch. This detail is present in various Cartier replica watch collections and is a subtle hallmark of the brand’s jewelry craftsmanship. The cabochon-faced gemstones are not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhance the grip of the time-adjusting mechanism, embodying Cartier’s philosophy of perfectly combining function and aesthetics.

What Makes The Cartier Santos So Unique?

Historical Significance

The Santos watch is a unique and iconic piece in the history of horology and the realm of modern luxury watches. It was one of the earliest watches designed specifically for men, setting a standard that remains in use today.

Before the Santos, men wearing replica Cartier watches were often seen as questionable or effeminate, but this watch shattered this prejudice. Originally designed for a renowned aviator, the Santos was closely linked to the glamorous and adventurous emerging field of aviation, making the watch not only practical but also symbolic.

A Perfect Blend of Form and Function

The Santos watch perfectly embodies Cartier’s ability to balance form and function. While initially designed to solve practical problems, Cartier never sacrificed aesthetics for practicality. Louis Cartier, with his background in jewelry, understood that tools could also be beautiful. The Santos collection proves that tool watches can also be integrated with luxury.

Timeless Design

Few watch designs have endured as long as the Santos. For over a century, this timepiece has maintained its fashionable appeal.

As times evolve in fashion, technology, and cultural values, the Cartier Santos replica remains timeless. This is because its design essence transcends the limitations of time. Whether it’s a vintage model from the 1980s or a new 2018 model, they are instantly recognizable as belonging to the Santos collection, yet each timepiece bears the mark of its era.

Cartier’s Watchmaking Credibility

The Santos watch also showcases Cartier’s professional standing in the field of watchmaking. While Cartier is known for its Tank and Ballon Bleu replica watches collection, the Santos collection exudes a more dignified presence, stemming from both its long history and its practical functionality. The respect accorded to the Santos as a timepiece far surpasses that of some of Cartier’s more ornate creations. It demonstrates Cartier’s credibility in watchmaking, proving that the brand excels not only in crafting exquisite cases but also in the watch’s practicality and performance.

Detailed Explanation of Cartier Santos Watches

The replica Cartier Santos collection has evolved into a vast family of watches. While each timepiece retains the same core design DNA, its purpose on the wrist varies. From ultra-thin dress watches to modern sporty luxury models, and even complex skeleton designs, each Santos timepiece interprets Cartier’s original square watch concept from a unique perspective. Understanding the differences between these models will help you more easily choose the watch that best suits your personal style, lifestyle, and everyday wear needs.

Santos-Dumont

The Cartier Santos-Dumont replica is the most refined and perfect interpretation of the original 1904 watch. Its slim case, understated size, and elegant style make it a top choice for formal wear and traditional watch enthusiasts.

This watch is typically equipped with a manual-winding movement, but super-cloned Cartier also offers quartz and automatic versions, paired with leather straps to continue the classic features of early 20th-century watchmaking craftsmanship. For watch lovers who appreciate minimalist style, this watch perfectly suits their aesthetic.

Santos de Cartier

The current sporty luxury model is the Cartier Santos replica collection, launched in 2018. This collection is available in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large, featuring the signature modern Santos design elements such as an integrated strap, exposed screws, and a robust case. The QuickSwitch strap and SmartLink adjustment enhance the watch’s versatility. When people think of the Santos collection, this modern sporty timepiece usually comes to mind.

Santos-Dumont Skeleton

The Santos-Dumont Skeleton replica showcases Cartier’s exquisite craftsmanship, with its movement revealed through the dial. This variant retains the Dumont collection’s signature elegant proportions, while the skeletonized design adds a more complex visual effect to the dial.

This watch not only appeals to collectors who appreciate the art of watchmaking but also caters to customers seeking a more unique design than traditional dials. The skeletonization allows the wearer a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship behind Cartier’s movement.

Discontinued Models

Retro models such as the Santos Ronde, Santos Galbée, Santos 100, and Santos Octagon are now mostly found on the secondhand market.

• Santos Ronde: Round case, suitable for those who prefer a Santos style without following trends.
• Santos Galbée: Curved case, slender proportions, suitable for those seeking something unique and departing from the modern series.
• Santos 100: Large design, suitable for those with a bold personality and a penchant for extravagance.
• Santos Octagon: Experimental design with an octagonal bezel, offering a unique option for collectors.

Limited Editions and Special Materials

Cartier further enriches the Santos collection with limited editions and special materials. From platinum to carbon fiber, from skeletonized dials to gem-set bezels, and models with complex functions, all showcase the diversity and innovative spirit of Santos design.

These special editions not only continue the classic Santos theme but also satisfy the needs of replica watches UK collectors seeking unique elements.

The Price History and Value of Cartier Santos

Current Market Positioning

Since its inception, the Santos watch has maintained strong value retention in both the retail and pre-owned markets, despite significant price variations depending on materials and condition. New Santos watches sold by authorized replica Cartier retailers range widely in price, from relatively accessible steel models to higher-priced models crafted from precious metals. This overall pricing structure reflects Cartier’s exceptional reputation as a major luxury jewelry brand in watchmaking. Steel models are generally considered entry-level options, while two-tone or all-gold models command higher collectible and premium value.

Vintage Watch Market Performance

In recent years, vintage Santos watches (especially those from the 1970s to 1990s) have become increasingly popular among collectors. The Santos de Cartier replica models, launched in 1978, or the Santos Galbée collection from the late 1980s, if well-preserved, can be found in high-quality pre-owned listings. Their price depends primarily on the watch’s overall condition and completeness, including the original box, documentation, and unpolished case—all important factors contributing to appreciation. The vintage market favors watches that retain their original style and have not undergone extensive restoration or alteration.

The Santos Ronde and Santos 100 Secondhand Market

Cartier Santos Ronde replica (1984–2005) is often a good entry-level choice for collectors in the secondary market. Their round cases appeal to customers who appreciate both classic styling and the distinctive Santos character.

Original Santos 100 models tend to be expensive, resulting in a more polarized performance in the secondhand fake watches market. Some collectors prefer their large size and direct connection to the 2004 centenary celebrations, while others favor earlier or later models with more balanced proportions.

Recent Products and Resale Value

Newer Santos models (such as the Cartier Santos collection launched in 2018) hold their value well in the pre-owned knockoff watches market. Thanks to features like the QuickSwitch strap, SmartLink adjustment, refined design, optimized movement, and brand prestige, these watches have maintained relatively stable secondhand prices.

Similar to most high-end replica watches that aren’t extremely rare, Santos watches typically resell for less than their retail price once worn, offering opportunities for consumers looking to acquire current models at a lower price.

Limited Editions and Rare Models

Limited editions or rare models (such as skeletonized versions or those using special materials) usually don’t strictly adhere to the regular production line. These counterfeit watches have relatively limited market appeal, and their prices depend on their rarity and condition. The market performance of Santos special editions effectively reflects the overall strength of the Santos brand and the popularity of a particular model. Provenance and originality are also crucial factors in determining value.

The Enduring Legacy of the Santos de Cartier Watch

The duplicated Cartier Santos collection has maintained its influence and continued innovation for over a century, thanks to the perfect synergy between design and function. Originating from a pact between two friends, the Santos watch is widely praised for its minimalist design, including the iconic square case, exposed screws, and integrated strap. While these design elements have been widely borrowed in the industry, Santos retains its unique originality.

Today, the Santos brand not only attracts new customers but also retains its loyal followers who cherish its brand history. Whether it’s the refined elegance of the Santos-Dumont collection or the sporty versatility of the Santos de Cartier collection, each timepiece is inextricably linked to aviation history and the origins of modern luxury watchmaking.

For anyone looking to own a Cartier timepiece, the Santos collection perfectly blends tradition and innovation, possessing a unique allure. At Xwatches, they proudly present a carefully curated selection of replica Cartier Santos watches, including new and classic models. Explore our Santos collection and discover timeless treasures of watchmaking history.

FAQs About Buying The Luxury Cartier Santos Replica Watches Online

The Story Behind the Cartier Santos Watch

In 1904, Louis Cartier designed this watch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviator who wanted easy timekeeping while flying, as pocket watches required removing the hand from the aircraft controls. At his request, Cartier designed a wristwatch with a strap, making the Santos one of the earliest watches designed specifically for men. Cartier officially launched the AAAAA Santos replica watch in 1911, making it one of the most important pieces in watchmaking history.

What Makes The Cartier Santos Watch So Special?

The mirror Cartier Santos watch’s unique charm lies not only in its rich historical background but also in its distinctive design. It was among the first wristwatches created specifically for men, playing a crucial role in establishing the wristwatch as a fashionable and practical item for men. Its iconic design features include a square case, exposed screws, a strap, and a clearly legible Roman numeral dial. Furthermore, the Santos watch showcased Cartier’s perfect balance between jewelry and practical watch design, far surpassing most of its contemporaries.

Was The Santos Watch The First Wristwatch?

While wristwatches existed before 1904, the Santos was one of the earliest practical watches designed specifically for men’s everyday wear. Before this, wristwatches were primarily decorative jewelry worn by women, not true timekeeping instruments. The Cartier Santos reproduction, through its practical application in aviation and subsequent promotion to the men’s market, established the wristwatch’s practical and fashionable status in men’s daily lives. Whether or not it was the first wristwatch in history, its historical significance is undeniable.

The Development of The Cartier Santos Collection

• 1904: Cartier produced the first wristwatch for Alberto Santos-Dumont.
• 1911: Commercial sales officially began.
• 1978: The modern Santos collection was launched, with iconic features including an integrated strap and exposed screws.
• 1984: The Santos Ronde collection was launched.
• 1987: Launch of the Santos Galbée collection.
• 2004: Launch of the Santos 100 collection.
• 2018: Launch of the new Cartier Santos collection equipped with a QuickSwitch strap and the SmartLink intelligent link system.

This journey demonstrates the continuous evolution of the superclone Santos collection from its classic origins to modern innovations, reflecting Cartier’s important position in watchmaking history.