Sell your Cartier Santos fast
We buy Cartier Santos watches across different generations, from older Galbée models to modern Santos de Cartier versions, in steel, gold and two-tone, with or without the original box and papers. Send the model name, the reference if you have it and a few clear photos. Ben Steele will give you a free, no-obligation initial estimate, usually within hours. A typical sale takes around two days from your first call to Ben to the money in your bank, and often less. We buy every Cartier model and variant, so call Ben for the best price for your Santos.
- A typical sale takes around two days
- Free, no-obligation estimate
- Faster Payments bank transfer
- Fully insured postage across the UK
Which Santos do you have?
Cartier designed the Santos in 1904 for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and it is one of the earliest wristwatches made for pilots. The Santos has a square case with exposed bezel screws, but the details vary between models. Here are the main versions we buy:
Santos de Cartier
The modern generation, in different sizes, materials and configurations. Some versions have QuickSwitch for changing the strap or bracelet and SmartLink for adjusting compatible bracelets. The reference, case size, material and movement identify the exact version.
Santos 100
Introduced in 2004 for the model’s centenary, in a larger case, in steel or gold and on a bracelet.
Santos Galbée
The 1980s version with a softly curved case, in small and large sizes, quartz and automatic, in steel, gold and two-tone.
Santos Octagon
An older Santos with an octagonal bezel, often in steel and gold.
Santos-Dumont and smaller Santos models
A slimmer, rectangular dress watch and compact versions. Send photos and the reference and we will confirm the model.
Look for the model name or reference on the case back. The case shape, bezel, dial and bracelet can help us identify it too. Send photos of the dial, bezel and bracelet if you’re unsure which Santos you have.
What affects the value of a Cartier Santos
Model and size
We assess each Santos de Cartier, Santos 100 and Galbée by its exact reference and case size. Tell us which model you have, and its size if you know it.
Material
Steel, steel and 18ct gold (the “two-tone” Santos), and solid gold are valued very differently. If yours is two-tone, let us see the bezel screws and bracelet centre links, since wear shows there first.
Bezel and screws
The bezel screws are part of the Santos design. We check for damage or replacement, make sure they suit the watch’s configuration, and look for signs of heavy refinishing on the bezel.
Bracelet and strap
On modern Santos models with QuickSwitch, we check the bracelet, clasp and release mechanism for wear or damage. On older models we look at the links and clasp. Missing links, a worn bracelet or a release that doesn’t work as expected are worth mentioning when you get in touch.
Movement
Santos models use different movements depending on the version. Tell us whether yours is quartz or automatic, whether it is running, and whether you know of any problems with winding, setting or timekeeping. You don’t need to replace a battery or service the watch before contacting us.
Case and crystal
The squared case edges are easy to round off with polishing, and we look closely at them, at the crown and at the sapphire crystal.
For the bigger picture, read how luxury watch buyers calculate their offers.
Selling your Santos to us
- 1
Send the details
Use the valuation form or WhatsApp. Photos of the dial, bezel, case back and bracelet are enough to start.
- 2
Receive an estimate
Ben looks at the watch himself and usually replies within hours.
- 3
Hand it over
Send it by fully insured Royal Mail Special Delivery, or arrange an appointment in Manchester or at our Mayfair showroom. We do not take walk-ins.
- 4
Inspection and final offer
We inspect the watch and make a firm offer based on its model, material and condition. If our offer differs from the initial estimate, we explain why. If you decline, we return the watch insured at no cost.
- 5
Payment
If you accept the final offer, we pay by Faster Payments bank transfer. The money normally reaches your account within minutes. From your first call to Ben to cash in the bank, a typical sale takes around two days, sometimes longer, depending on how quickly we can meet or the watch reaches us. There is no commission.
Can I sell a Santos without box and papers?
Yes. Ben will ask whether you have the box and papers. They help us check the watch’s identity against its documentation, and photos are enough to get started. Cartier changed its paperwork around 2016. Newer watches have an international warranty card, while older ones have a warranty certificate. Both can help us check the watch. Without them, the serial number matters more. Cartier’s own portal recognises serial numbers for registered watches, though that is a record, not proof of authenticity. As Ben says, “a matching serial number on its own should never be the reason you trust a watch”, which is why we also look closely at the watch.
Our guide explains whether you need the box and papers to sell a watch.
Polished case, worn bracelet or a stopped movement
You can contact us about a Santos even if it has scratches, bracelet wear or a movement problem. “If it needs a polish, we’re fine with that,” says Ben. We assess the watch in its current condition, including the bezel screws, bracelet, clasp and movement. Tell us about stretch in the bracelet, a stiff QuickSwitch release or any damage to the crown, and send photos where you can. Please do not have the case polished before selling. On a Santos the sharp edges of the case are part of the look.
Why sell your Santos to Watch Boutique
You deal directly with Ben Steele, who has over ten years in the luxury watch trade and values each watch himself. We buy outright, with no listing and no waiting for a buyer. You can meet us by appointment in Manchester or London, or send your Santos by insured post from anywhere in the UK. Speed is what most sellers want, and it is why we are one of the fastest watch-buying services in the UK.
- Valued personally by Ben
- A fast sale: around two days is typical
- Faster Payments, normally within minutes
- Manchester, London or insured post
Cartier Santos questions
Is a Santos de Cartier valued differently from a Santos Galbée?
Yes. We assess each watch by its reference, material, condition and whether it comes with its original box and papers. Send us the model and some photos for an initial estimate.
My QuickSwitch release feels stiff. Does that matter?
On compatible Santos models we check that the release works as expected and assess the bracelet, clasp and links for wear or damage. Tell us if the mechanism is stiff or doesn’t lock properly.
Will you buy a two-tone Santos?
Yes. Two-tone is a common Santos configuration and we value it on its own details.
My bezel screws look different. Does that matter?
It can, if they have been replaced. Tell us what you see and send a close-up.
Can I sell a Santos I've inherited and know nothing about?
Yes. Send photos of the dial, bezel and case back and we will identify the model.
Free valuation for your Cartier Santos
Call Ben for the best price for your Santos. Start your free valuation, WhatsApp Ben on 07562 359459 or call 07562 359459. Meetings are by appointment, so message first.
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