Pre-owned Cartier Santos: UK prices and what to check
The Santos is one of the first wristwatches made for men, with a square case and visible screws on the bezel and bracelet. Buying one pre-owned in the UK is safest through a marketplace with escrow and authentication; below are the references, what to check on this model, and where to look.
Updated 6 Nov 2026. Watches aren't investments; prices fall as well as rise.
New vs pre-owned
Goldsmiths, 6 Nov 2026: Santos de Cartier Watch, Large Model, Steel, Automatic
UK pre-owned price index coming soon.
References
| Ref | Made | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WSSA0018 | 2018– | Large model, steel, automatic |
Why people buy it
The Santos is one of the first wristwatches made for men, with a square case and visible screws on the bezel and bracelet. The current model, relaunched in 2018, lets you swap the bracelet and strap without tools.
What to check on a pre-owned Santos
- Generation: the 2018 model has QuickSwitch (tool-free strap change) and SmartLink (tool-free bracelet sizing). Older Santos 100 and Santos Galbée models are different watches.
- Bezel screws: the eight screws should be clean and undamaged; scratched screw heads suggest amateur work.
- Size: Large or Medium; check the reference.
- Bracelet: check the SmartLink links fit snugly and the clasp closes firmly.
- Extras: original sale often came with a leather strap too; ask whether it's included.
- Papers: Cartier warranty, box and service history.
More on buying safely: our pre-owned guide.
Where to buy
Dealer links may earn us a commission; it never decides what we recommend.
Questions
How much is a pre-owned Cartier Santos in the UK?
It depends on the reference, condition, and whether it has its box and papers. We're building a UK pre-owned price index from authenticated listings; until then, compare like-for-like listings on Chrono24 and eBay's Authenticity Guarantee.
Is it safe to buy a Cartier Santos pre-owned?
It can be, if you buy from an authorised pre-owned programme, an established dealer, or a marketplace that holds your money in escrow and authenticates the watch. Check the serial against the papers, ask for service history, and never pay a stranger by bank transfer.
What should I check before buying a used Santos?
Generation: the 2018 model has QuickSwitch (tool-free strap change) and SmartLink (tool-free bracelet sizing). Older Santos 100 and Santos Galbée models are different watches. Bezel screws: the eight screws should be clean and undamaged; scratched screw heads suggest amateur work. Size: Large or Medium; check the reference.
Does a pre-owned Cartier Santos hold its value?
Some models have sold above their new price for long spells, but watches aren't investments: prices fall as well as rise. Buy one because you want to wear it.