Cartier

The mythical everyday watch means different things to different people. One of my everyday watches is the Santos Galbee in steel. In fact it is one of my favourites. In no order of importance: 1. Bracelet – Humid weather in SE Asia dictates that a bracele...  

No message body

Never cared for Cartier watches. The roman numerals just didn't do it for me. But your photos are good and the description of this as an everyday watch is appealing. Thanks for the review.

The case and bracelet are impressive. - SJX

But the lack of a 1/2 link is something that makes it a complete nonstarter. I have never had a watch that didn't need fine tuning. Even a custom link or two. But to look at? Very appealing as a classical designed dial with a modern implementation.

No message body

from the house of Cartier. I should start saving up for one. Thanks for sharing Jia Xian.

it is accessibly priced. Not cheap but fairly accessible. And though there is no Cartier that is actually cheap or super value for money, I think this fair quite well in that respect given the case and bracelet quality. - SJX

I like the santos bracelet which, unlike many others, avoid the sporty look and keeps it dressy

While I don't think it is a sports watch exactly, the combination of brushed links with polished screws does make it have a certain panache. - SJX

Looks like an elegant and successful man to me.

I will try to get a photo of it with a waterman. - SJX

I remember going crazy for a San Francisco when I was planning to buy my first fountain pen a couple of years ago, just to find out it was discontinued... Just for the record: I'm still crazy...  

One of the more contemporary Pelikan pens. Mine is still the ultra traditional green stripe M800. - SJX

captured the personal side of our everyday watches with style and reminded me that it is OK to stick with favorites. I think Cartier is making some very cool design choices these days. Thanks for the very enjoyable article. Best to all, Tim

Hope you are well. - SJX

We need more of these kinds of reviews of our everyday watches. You made the case compellingly, and i agree it is a very attractive piece. Best, respo

... does not bother me at all; I am indifferent to it." I could not agree more, SJX. I think a watch should first and foremost be pleasant to the eye. What beats (though it must beat ) inside it comes second.

I don't agree. Kind regards, Kari

No message body

pleasant to the eye". With all respect, I do not agree. I am often comparing cars and watches. I do not buy a car based on how beautiful it is. First I want to get a car which is really good to drive. Then I want to get an engine which is powerful and has... 

many watch collectors are not buying functional objects, first and foremost. Most people have one or two or three cars, but for someone with dozens of watches, maybe over 50, the functional aspect of the marginal watch purchase often matters less. But I d... 

I wrote that I am indifferent to the movement in this watch because the key attraction of the Santos is not the movement, rather it's aesthetics, case and bracelet. There are other watches where the movement does matter, for example my Chopard LUC which i... 

The only “in-house” I have (because I could only afford one in my watch-buyer life) is a JLC Reserve de Marche which movement was a big factor when I made the decision of buying a first-class watch in 2007. Nevertheless, aesthetics played a fu... 

The Santos case/design is what makes it iconic and not necessarily the movement in this very particular "case". ... Rolex Oyster case, case in point. Some watches, really about the movement as much as it is with dial/case design. E.g., JLC Duometre/Lunair... 

As usual, a great read. I too find the Galbee's design to be very attractive and elegant. I think it could use a little up-sizing, but it does looks bigger than it actually is (at least, it should not be a problem with moderately-sized wrists). I am not f... 

You are right, it looks bigger than it actually is. And its size gives it an elegance that is missing from the Santos 100. The retail is in the region of USD6000. Not cheap by any standard but fair, in my opinion. - SJX

I love how it looks peeking out from under the cuff! Not too big and not too small on your wrist. I'm guessing its the largest size since its an auto right? How large are your wrists?

My wrist is 6.75 inches. - SJX

Dear SJX, thank you very much for confirming that this watch will be next purchase. In my opinion this watch borders perfection at least for my user profil. The perfect watch would be the Galbee in XL with the limited edition black dial with its luminous ... 

Remember to share photos once you get it! A Galbee XL with black numbers would be interesting indeed. Hopefully someone at Cartier is reading this. - SJX

As an owner of a Santos 100, I am biased in saying that I love the Santos design. I believe my watch has the same movement (2892). I have noticed that the 2892 is used in a large number of watches from many brands. It makes one think it must be a reliable...  

Four or five, I don't remember the exact number, with increasing levels of quality, mainly in terms of components like Glucydur balance for higher grades. The higher grades also have better timekeeping and are adjusted to more positions. Most ETA movement... 

No message body

Dear SJX I have finally purchased my very first Cartier and I am very happy with it. I was wondering if you can help me? Im not so sure about the size of my Cartier Santos Galbee......and how many sizes does this style come in? and is there a way to do so...  

XL and L. The scratches can probably be polished off, just send it to your local Cartier boutique. Congrats on the new acquisition! - SJX

SJX Im not sure if what I have is an XL or L ,can you identify this size? left the box and papers in Manila. I love your post (like watch crack). Jon

XL is about 45.5 x 35 mm. Based on the position of the date window I believe yours is the XL. - SJX