Watch reference library
Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium WSSA0029
Specifications
- Case size
- 35.1mm wide, 41.9mm lug to lug, 8.83mm thick
- Case material
- Steel
- Dial
- Silvered opaline with Roman numerals and steel sword-shaped hands
- Movement
- Cartier calibre 1847 MC, automatic
- Power reserve
- 42 hours
- Water resistance
- 100 meters (10 bar)
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Bracelet
- Steel bracelet with the SmartLink adjustment system, plus a second calfskin bracelet with an interchangeable steel folding buckle; both use the QuickSwitch system
The story
Cartier's own account of the Santos begins in 1904, when Louis Cartier granted the wish of the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont to be able to tell the time while flying. The resulting watch was one of the first wristwatches, with rounded dial angles, a seamless curve at the horns and exposed screws.
Cartier brought the Santos de Cartier back at SIHH 2018 in two sizes, and Monochrome Watches called the reintroduction a success. The sizes are a medium, 35.1mm by 41.9mm, and a large, 39.8mm by 47.5mm. Monochrome points out that the two sizes share the same calibre 1847 MC and differ only to make a statement about proportions, not because of the movement.
The WSSA0029 is the medium in steel, with the SmartLink bracelet adjustment and the QuickSwitch system for swapping between the steel bracelet and a calfskin one. Cartier lists it with a silvered opaline dial and a sapphire crystal.
What to check before you buy
Make sure you are looking at the right size. The WSSA0029 is the medium at 35.1mm, and the large steel Santos is a separate reference at 39.8mm. Monochrome Watches notes that although the medium is called mid-size, it is not a ladies' model and still has a notable presence on the wrist.
The 7-sided crown is set with a faceted synthetic spinel, so look at it for chips. The watch comes with two bracelets, a steel one with SmartLink and a calfskin one with a steel folding buckle, so check that both are there and that the QuickSwitch release works on each. Fratello points out the movement offers 42 hours of power reserve, that the case does not have a screw-down crown, and that the silver-dial version has very little lume, so judge the watch as a dressy sports watch rather than a tool watch.
Buying or selling a WSSA0029?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands.
Common questions
What size is the Santos de Cartier WSSA0029?
It is the medium model: 35.1mm wide, 41.9mm from lug to lug and 8.83mm thick. The large model is 39.8mm wide.
What movement is in the WSSA0029?
Cartier's in-house calibre 1847 MC, an automatic with a 4Hz beat and a 42-hour power reserve.
How water resistant is the WSSA0029?
Cartier rates it at up to 10 bar, about 100 meters.
What are SmartLink and QuickSwitch?
SmartLink is the system Cartier uses to adjust the steel bracelet, and QuickSwitch is the system that lets the wearer swap between the steel bracelet and the calfskin one.
Is the medium Santos a ladies' watch?
No. Monochrome Watches says the term mid-size is often marketing slang for a ladies' model, but not here, and notes the medium still has a notable presence on the wrist.
Related references
Sources
The facts on this page come from the brand and from established watch publications.