RichardMiami 4 Posted November 9, 2015 Yesterday, Mrs. Miami and I went to Tourneau - they were holding a Tudor Black Bay in black for me to see. I wore my Black Bay in red for comparison, and almost immediately realized that the Black Bay black photographs a lot better than it looks in person. It was a disappointment, so no sale. So........ while consoling myself looking through the rest of their selection, I spotted what is truly one of my grail watches: The classic Cartier Santos 100 XL in stainless steel. I did not want the gold bezel version, since that is a "ding" magnet. This particular watch was immaculate, no scratches, no dings, even the leather strap was perfect (and it fit my wrist with no adjustment at all). This was clearly meant to be MINE. Among the benefits of buying a Tourneau CPO is the price, the service guarantees, and the fact that after a few years, all I have to do is bring it in and they will polish it up and even replace the strap at no charge! Here is the technical stuff: Large model, steel, leather ref: W20073X8 Louis Cartier created the Santos watch in 1904, sealing his friendship with the aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. The famous aviator's wish was granted: he could check the time while flying. The dial's rounded angles and exposed screws made this an iconic timepiece. Cartier marked the centenary of the watch with the introduction of a new version. Santos 100 watch, large model, mechanical movement with automatic winding. Steel case, 7-sided crown decorated with a faceted synthetic spinel, silvered opaline dial, black oxidized steel sword-shaped hands with luminescent coating, sapphire crystal, alligator-skin strap with XL triple folding steel buckle. Case dimensions: 51.1 mm x 41.3 mm, thickness: 10.34 mm. Water-resistant to 10 bar (approx. 100 meters). Here are some of my crappy pics: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KarmaToBurn 1,419 Posted November 9, 2015 Congrats! The Santos 100 is a true classic and really cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elp 26 Posted November 9, 2015 Wear it in good health Richard! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted November 9, 2015 Very nice pickup indeed - I've always loved the Santos (even though I hardly ever wore my rep... go figure). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mariner89 0 Posted November 9, 2015 A classic ... when I'm a wise old man ... i may be able to pull something this classy off ... wear it well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WatchDog21 3,345 Posted November 9, 2015 Great addition Richard! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kleen™ 45 Posted November 9, 2015 Very clean/undistorted lines...(which is absolutely my pref)... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusty peters 0 Posted November 9, 2015 They will replace the strap for no charge? That is a screaming deal....especially considering Cartier leather strap prices. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichardMiami 4 Posted November 9, 2015 They will replace the strap for no charge? That is a screaming deal....especially considering Cartier leather strap prices. Yep.. $400 a pop..... (unfortunately, when I want a new strap, they take the old one back... I asked.. :( ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,501 Posted November 9, 2015 Hey Richard, in case you haven't already read this, look here: https://monochrome-w...er-santos-1904/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simey83 2,010 Posted November 9, 2015 Just stunning! Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 994 Posted November 9, 2015 Very nice mate, congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mysterio 18 Posted November 9, 2015 Congratulations on the Santos. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuvetjee 17 Posted November 9, 2015 CONGRATS!!! What a stunner! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Callumz 40 Posted November 9, 2015 Congrats Richard! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichardMiami 4 Posted November 9, 2015 Hey Richard, in case you haven't already read this, look here: https://monochrome-w...er-santos-1904/ Thanks GenTLe..... great reading! Rumors that I was there in person when Alberto first flew are incorrect! I was out of town that week! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piccolo 673 Posted November 9, 2015 Very nice! Great addition to your collection... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyboy 5 Posted November 9, 2015 Very Classy a great addition to your already impressive collection. Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,461 Posted November 9, 2015 Congrats mate - that is a beauty! It's a big hunk of metal too - I tried on a colleagues a while ago and it was way too big for my wrist. Enjoy it often! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NFleischer 4,355 Posted November 9, 2015 Mazel Tov on the new baby! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichardMiami 4 Posted November 9, 2015 Thank you ALL for the kind words! I am, truly over the moon with this one.... I appreciate your comments! :D With a 7.5" wrist it fits perfectly, but it is truly not for a smaller wrist at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millionaire wannabe 1 Posted November 9, 2015 Great watch! A fantastic store too, have never been to one of their physical brick and mortar stores, but hope to someday, the pictures look pretty fun! Congrats and enjoy it in good health! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myaz 3 Posted November 9, 2015 Hey Richard, in case you haven't already read this, look here: https://monochrome-w...er-santos-1904/ THX for the article. In the 1st pic, it looks like Mr. Santos is flying straight at trees while blissfully looking in the opposite direction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myaz 3 Posted November 9, 2015 I did not want the gold bezel version, since that is a "ding" magnet. This particular watch was immaculate, no scratches, no dings, even the leather strap was perfect (and it fit my wrist with no adjustment at all). Looks as good as my rep :P . But seriously, what a smooth move. Congrats. - Are you saying that both gold and SS bezels are "ding" magnets but SS is easier to deal with when it gets scratched because the gold bezel merely plated(?) or is there another reason? - I was going to ask if it was used because of your description above then saw the "CPO" further in your post. Google said "Chief Petty Officer" but I figured that wasn't it and kept looking....Wonderful thing, this Google is, makes us all smart. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RichardMiami 4 Posted November 9, 2015 I did not want the gold bezel version, since that is a "ding" magnet. This particular watch was immaculate, no scratches, no dings, even the leather strap was perfect (and it fit my wrist with no adjustment at all). Looks as good as my rep :P . But seriously, what a smooth move. Congrats. - Are you saying that both gold and SS bezels are "ding" magnets but SS is easier to deal with when it gets scratched because the gold bezel merely plated(?) or is there another reason? - I was going to ask if it was used because of your description above then saw the "CPO" further in your post. Google said "Chief Petty Officer" but I figured that wasn't it and kept looking....Wonderful thing, this Google is, makes us all smart. Thanks for the kind words! CPO = certified pre-owned. At Tourneau, that means the watch has been serviced and regulated, worn and/or damaged parts replaced, and it is then backed by the warranty I described above. As for the bezel - gold is much softer than stainless steel, so it has a tendency to dent (or ding). Fixing that can be pricey, since a polishing wheel removes metal. Besides, I don't go for the "bling" that gold would have given the watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
