The Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium and Large are the same watch in two sizes, with one difference you can see at once: the Large has a date window at 6 o'clock and the Medium does not. The Medium measures 35.1 mm across and suits wrists up to about 6.75 inches; the Large measures 39.8 mm and suits wrists from about 6.5 inches upward. Both use the same automatic movement and the same quick-change bracelet.
Because the Santos is square, it wears larger than those numbers suggest, and choosing the wrong size is the most common regret with this watch. We have 157 Santos watches in stock, from $3,035.
Santos Medium vs Large at a glance
| Medium | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 35.1 mm | 39.8 mm |
| Length, lug to lug | 41.9 mm | 47.5 mm |
| Thickness | 8.83 mm | 9.08 mm |
| Date | No | Yes, at 6 o'clock |
| Movement | 1847 MC, automatic | 1847 MC, automatic |
| Water resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Steel reference, silver dial | WSSA0029 | WSSA0018 |
Measurements are Cartier's own for the current steel models.
What both sizes share
The current Santos de Cartier, introduced in 2018, keeps the design that Louis Cartier created for the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904: a square case with rounded corners, a bezel held by eight visible screws, and Roman numerals on a white or silver dial.
Both sizes have:
- The automatic caliber 1847 MC.
- Water resistance to 100 meters, unusual for a watch this elegant.
- QuickSwitch, which releases the bracelet or strap at the press of a button under the case.
- SmartLink, which lets you add or remove bracelet links yourself, without tools.
- In the steel versions, both a steel bracelet and a leather strap in the box.
The last three points matter in daily life. You can change from bracelet to strap in seconds, and you can size the bracelet at home.
Cartier Santos Medium: 35.1 mm
The Medium is the classic proportion, close to the size the Santos had through most of its history. At 35.1 mm wide and under 9 mm thick, it is slim and light, and it slips under any cuff.
Its dial has no date, so the ring of Roman numerals is complete and the dial is perfectly symmetrical. Many buyers choose the Medium for this reason alone.
It suits wrists from about 5.5 to 6.75 inches. On a smaller wrist it wears as a dress-sized sports watch; on a larger one it looks deliberately compact and vintage. It is also the size most women choose, although the Santos has never been a watch for one sex.
Cartier Santos Large: 39.8 mm
The Large is the more modern size. It has noticeably more presence, and its length of 47.5 mm from lug to lug is the number to watch: because the bracelet is integrated with the case and the first links hardly bend, that length sits flat across the wrist.
Its dial has a date window at 6 o'clock, replacing the numeral VI. It is useful, and it is the feature some buyers would rather not have.
It suits wrists from about 6.5 inches upward. On a wrist of 7 inches or more it looks right; below 6.5 inches the ends of the case may reach the edges of the wrist.
We have 10 of the steel Large with the silver dial, WSSA0018, in stock, and 7 of the Large with the blue dial, WSSA0030.
How to choose by wrist size
Measure around your wrist just above the wrist bone, then use this as a guide:
| Wrist | Likely size |
|---|---|
| Under 6.25 inches | Medium |
| 6.25 to 6.75 inches | Either: Medium for a classic fit, Large for a bolder one |
| Over 6.75 inches | Large |
More important than circumference is the flat width of the top of your wrist. Measure it with a ruler. If it is less than about 50 mm, the Large's 47.5 mm length will reach nearly edge to edge. Our guide to lug-to-lug length explains why this measurement matters more than diameter on a watch like this.
Each product page on our site has a Real size button that shows the case at its true size on your screen, which is a quick way to compare the two.
The date question
If you are between sizes, the date often decides it:
- You want the date: Large.
- You want a clean dial: Medium.
There is no Medium with a date and no standard Large without one, so the two preferences cannot be combined.
Other versions
Both sizes are also made in steel with a yellow gold bezel, and in full gold, and with different dial colors in steel. The reference identifies the version. Steel models begin with WSSA; versions in steel and gold begin with W2SA. Larger and more complicated models, such as the Santos chronograph and the skeleton versions, are different watches and wear considerably bigger.
Pre-owned, you will also find the earlier Santos 100 and Santos Galbée, which have their own sizes and do not have the QuickSwitch system. Check the reference and the year on the listing to be sure which generation you are looking at.
What to check before you buy
- The size, from the reference and the Diameter line of the specifications.
- What is included. Steel models were delivered with both the bracelet and a leather strap; the listing states what comes with the watch.
- Bracelet links. Ask how many links are fitted and what wrist size the watch fits.
- The bezel screws and case edges. The polished bezel shows wear first; look closely at the photographs.
For prices by version, see our Santos price guide. If you are also considering Cartier's rectangular classic, see Santos vs Tank. You can browse every Santos and every Cartier we have in stock.
Frequently asked questions
What are the sizes of the Cartier Santos?
The current Santos de Cartier Medium is 35.1 mm wide and 41.9 mm long. The Large is 39.8 mm wide and 47.5 mm long.
Does the Cartier Santos Medium have a date?
No. Only the Large has a date window, at 6 o'clock.
Is the Santos Medium too small for a man?
No. It suits wrists up to about 6.75 inches and is close to the Santos's traditional size. A square watch also wears larger than its width suggests.
Do both sizes come with a strap and a bracelet?
The steel models were delivered with a steel bracelet and a leather strap. On a pre-owned watch, the listing states what is included.
Can I size the Santos bracelet myself?
Yes. The SmartLink system lets you remove or add links by pressing a button on each link, without tools.
Is Watchflix NYC an official Cartier retailer?
No. We are an independent retailer and are not affiliated with Cartier. Every watch is checked by our specialist before it ships.
