Cartier Santos Alternative: The Best Square Watches Compared
Developed in 1904 for the aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Cartier Santos is considered one of the very first wristwatches for men. Its square case with the visible screws on the bezel remains unmistakable to this day. But not everyone wants to pay the price of the Santos or wait for a particular model. We introduce you to the best alternatives that pick up the style of the Santos.
Key facts at a glance
- With its square case and visible screws, the Bell & Ross BR 03 comes closest to the Santos visually.
- The TAG Heuer Monaco is the sporty alternative with a square chronograph case.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, Longines DolceVita and Baume & Mercier Hampton offer elegant Art Deco style with an angular case.
- If you want to stay with Cartier, you can now also get the Santos new at HORANDO, with manufacturer's warranty and a delivery time of four to six weeks. Tank Française and Panthère are further options within the brand.
What makes the Cartier Santos so special?
Louis Cartier designed the Santos for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to read the time while flying without having to reach for his pocket watch. The square case with rounded corners, the screwed bezel and the Roman numerals still make the watch an icon today. Since the 2018 relaunch, the straps of the Santos de Cartier can be changed without tools thanks to QuickSwitch. Alongside the sportier Santos de Cartier, there is the particularly thin Santos-Dumont.
How do you recognise a good alternative to the Santos?
- An angular or square case that clearly stands out from round watches
- A combination of sportiness and elegance, so that the watch suits a suit as well as casual wear
- High-quality craftsmanship and a reliable movement
- Good availability, ideally without a waiting time
The best alternatives to the Cartier Santos
1. Bell & Ross BR 03
No other watch takes up the design of the Santos as consistently as the BR 03. The square case with its four visible screws is inspired by the instruments in an aircraft cockpit, so the watch even shares the connection to aviation. The BR 03 is water-resistant to 100 metres and considerably sportier than the Santos. You will find the selection in our Bell & Ross collection.
2. TAG Heuer Monaco
The Monaco was introduced in 1969 as one of the first automatic chronographs and became famous through Steve McQueen. Its square case makes it the sporty alternative for anyone who appreciates the angular shape of the Santos but is looking for a watch with motorsport character. You will find more models in our TAG Heuer Monaco collection.
3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The Reverso was created in 1931 for polo players and has a reversible rectangular case. Like the Santos, it is an icon of the early wristwatch, but it places greater emphasis on classic elegance and in-house movements. You will find a large selection in our Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso collection.
4. Longines DolceVita
With its rectangular case and clear numerals, the DolceVita takes up Longines' Art Deco heritage. It is considerably more affordable than the Santos and is particularly suitable for anyone looking for an elegant angular watch for everyday wear. You will find the selection in our Longines DolceVita collection.
5. Baume & Mercier Hampton
The Hampton is modelled on rectangular watches of the 1940s and is available with quartz and automatic movements. With its slightly curved case, it is the most accessible entry into the world of angular Swiss watches. Find out more in our Baume & Mercier Hampton collection.
6. Cartier Tank Française and Panthère
If you want to stay with Cartier, the Tank Française with its integrated link bracelet and the Panthère with its supple bracelet offer two alternatives with a similar aura. You will find the models in our Cartier Tank Française and Panthère de Cartier collections.
7. The Cartier Santos new or pre-owned
If it has to be the Santos after all, HORANDO now also carries it new: The Santos de Cartier is available in several sizes and dial colours, along with the thin Santos-Dumont. We deliver new models with original box, papers and manufacturer's warranty within four to six weeks. If you want to wear one straight away, you will find inspected pre-owned watches under Certified Pre-Owned Cartier. Our Cartier collection shows the full selection.
Comparison: Cartier Santos and its alternatives
| Model | Case shape | Character | Price compared with the Santos |
| Cartier Santos | square, screwed bezel | sporty-elegant | reference |
| Bell & Ross BR 03 | square, visible screws | sporty | lower |
| TAG Heuer Monaco | square | sporty, chronograph | similar to lower |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso | rectangular, reversible | classic-elegant | similar to higher |
| Longines DolceVita | rectangular | elegant | considerably lower |
| Baume & Mercier Hampton | rectangular, curved | elegant | considerably lower |
Conclusion: Which alternative to the Cartier Santos suits you?
If you are looking for the look of the Santos with visible screws, the Bell & Ross BR 03 is your best choice. The TAG Heuer Monaco is the choice for lovers of sporty chronographs. For classic elegance, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso or, more accessibly priced, the Longines DolceVita and the Baume & Mercier Hampton are good options. And if you stick with the original, you can get the Santos at HORANDO new with manufacturer's warranty or as an inspected pre-owned watch that is often available immediately.
If you are rather looking for a rectangular watch in the style of the Cartier Tank, you will find suitable models in our article Cartier Tank alternative.
FAQ
What is a good alternative to the Cartier Santos?
With its square case and visible screws, the Bell & Ross BR 03 comes closest to the Santos visually. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and the Longines DolceVita are more elegant.
Which watch looks like the Cartier Santos?
Most similar are watches with a square case and visible screws, such as the Bell & Ross BR 03. The TAG Heuer Monaco shares the square shape but is sportier.
What is the difference between the Santos de Cartier and the Santos-Dumont?
The Santos de Cartier is the sportier model with a metal bracelet and automatic movement. The Santos-Dumont is thinner, more elegant and is usually worn on a leather strap.
Is the Cartier Santos a good investment?
The Santos is considered to hold its value well, especially the stainless steel models. As with any watch, however, the development of its value depends on the model, condition and market situation.
Can I buy the Cartier Santos new at HORANDO?
Yes. HORANDO carries the Santos de Cartier and the Santos-Dumont new with original box, papers and manufacturer's warranty. The delivery time is four to six weeks.
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