I’m not a flipper, but I’m not above it. If I don’t love a piece, I’ll let it go. That’s where we begin. The first post, the first confession. Best to make it clear what I am, and what I’m not. I’m a romantic, but I won’t cuff the wrong one. And while I love this watch, full disclosure – I sold it!
So who am I? I’m an audiophile, for one. I’ve got a weakness for Bowers & Wilkins. They break, I buy more. Why? Because I know what’s good, and I’m willing to bet everything on the experience. Also – their after sales support is top-notch.
Wine? I can tell you a few notes from a good red. White? Not so much—unless we’re talking pear. I’ve got a thing for pear and crisp, fresh flavours. I’m the guy who’ll wax lyrical about Guilloché dials, a fascination born with my Longines VHP. Should’ve gone vintage, could’ve saved a pound or two, but that’s a story for another day.
I’m not a rapper, though I’ve rapped. Not a tourist either, which might explain my entrance into watches. My mother wore quartz Bulovas—tasteful, practical, nothing flashy. And though I’ve got ski-like feet and comical biceps, my wrists? Tiny.. Think Home Movies on Adult Swim tiny. But Mum’s Bulovas? For a pre-teen, they were the gateway to understanding the feel of a “good” watch. No more, no less. That’s what Bulova does. But we’ll save that thought for another post.
On to the pièce de résistance— the Cartier.
It’s a Cartier Santos Ronde, Aviator Collection Privée. 1997. A mouthful, I know. In Cartier speak, that means it’s part of their private collection. To put it plainly for my fellow Midwesterners: it’s a Cartier Santos with a dial so refined, you don’t need a loupe to appreciate it. Perfect for the guy who got invited to the rich kid’s party but didn’t quite feel comfortable (the old me). Anyway…
It’s stunning.
Now, what’s that? Billy Mays’ ghost is whispering in my ear—“But wait, there’s more!”
It’s not just another lovely Santos. Those are a dime a dozen, all sorts of sizes and shapes. But not this one. This is a ronde, a round one. Sure, they make other round models, but this? This is the 150th-anniversary edition. A different beast altogether. It’s slim, elegant, and houses a relatively complicated ETA 2492 A2. None of that expensive to maintain, in-house movement nonsense here. I like this. Simple, efficient, decently decorated. I’m still surrounded by MoonSwatch hype at the office, but I’ll take this any day.
The movement, with its smooth sweep, is something to behold. Forty hours of power reserve—hardly impressive compared to modern counterparts—but I’ll take the sweep over power any day. How do I know all this? It’s on the dial, of course.
Speaking of the dial, it’s a thing of beauty. Silver, with a power reserve indicator that’s simply spectacular. Above it, tastefully obscuring the 11, 12, and 1 o’clock Roman numerals, sits a globe, split by longitude and latitude, showing the GMT. The date window at 3 o’clock is small, elegant, and—thankfully—color-matched. It’s the kind of watch that, if you’re willing to part with that kind of dosh, you’d probably need to know the date at a glance.
And the hands—blue, heat-treated, glossy—are exquisite. They catch the light like nothing else, a perfect match for the black laquery Roman numerals on the dial. Everything about this watch is class.
Let’s talk about the bezel. Thin, gold, and hopelessly prone to scratches. But I did love it. I’m a vintage two-tone kind of guy. Old money on the wrist, that’s the look I’m going for these days. The case itself, brushed steel, has a wide transition to the bracelet, which carries Cartier’s signature gold screws. It’s subtle but just blingy enough. More Cameron Crowe than Cam’ron. Speaking of which, Killa Cam would approve of the ruby red cabochon—a perfect touch, though winding it is a nightmare. My fingers just don’t work with it. A small sacrifice, I suppose.
The clasp? Secure, signed, stamped, but not without its flaws. It digs in a bit, especially on wrists as dainty as mine. I’m either left with a watch that jingles or one that doubles as a blood pressure cuff. But for a watch like this? I’ll tolerate it.
So, what’s the verdict? For the love of God, throw your coin at the reseller! But only if you plan on keeping it. As for me, I sold mine eventually. Took a small loss, but I can’t say I regret it.