Will you take a legendary square icon for €6,500? And we’re back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly go or no go article where you choose whether to launch. This week, we take a look at a modern rendition of the Cartier Santos de Cartier. But first… Last time we debated a Speedy Mark II at €3,599, and you gave it a solid 58% Wrist Game win. The vintage-inspired 1970s design resonated with many. Now, let’s shift gears to something even more timeless: the Cartier Santos de Cartier large model, reference WHSA0015. This isn’t just another square watch—it’s the watch that defined an entire genre. Designed in 1904 for pioneer aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos remains one of the most recognizable luxury watches ever made. Today’s candidate is a modern version with a hand-wound mechanical movement and a steel case. It’s pure, it’s elegant, and it’s up for a fight. The Cartier Santos Legacy First things first—the Santos is not a replica of something else; it’s the original square wristwatch. While many brands have copied its shape, the true Cartier Santos de Cartier carries a heritage that a fake can never replicate. The screws on the bezel, the Roman numerals, the blue sword hands—every detail tells a story of aviation and daring. The modern large model WHSA0015 retains all that magic but adds a sapphire crystal and a more robust steel bracelet with the SmartLink system. The hand-wound mechanical movement inside is the caliber 1847 MC, providing a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a joy to wind each morning—a ritual that connects you to the watch’s nearly 120-year history. Design and Wearability The 39.8mm case might sound modest, but thanks to the square shape and wide bezel, it wears like a 42mm watch on most wrists. The steel case is beautifully finished with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The dial is clean and legible, with a date window at 6 o’clock (a modern necessity that didn’t exist on the original). The bracelet is one of the most comfortable in the industry—tapered, with a butterfly clasp. You can also swap it for a leather strap Replica Cartier since Cartier included quick-release lugs. For those who worry about scratches, the steel version hides them well, unlike a high-polish gold case. And if you’re tempted by the replica version selling for a fraction of the price, remember: a fake Santos will never give you the same crisp winding feel, the precise alignment of the screws, or the deep sunburst of the genuine dial. When you hold the real thing, you understand why Cartier charges a premium. Market Position and Price Today’s candidate comes from a reputable dealer on Chrono24. The watch is in excellent pre-owned condition, with full box and papers, dated 2021. The seller is asking €6,500. Is that reasonable? The retail price for a new WHSA0015 is €7,600, so you’re saving over €1,000. The hand-wound version is becoming rarer as Cartier pushes more automatic movements. Many collectors prefer the manual wind because it stays true to the original 1904 design and offers a slimmer profile. Plus, a hand-wound movement is a joy for enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical watches. A fake would use a cheap quartz or automatic movement from China—no comparison. The real Cartier movement is decorated with Geneva stripes, blued screws, and a polished bevel. So, €6,500 for a mint-condition large Santos with in-house movement seems like a solid investment. Wrist Game or Crying Shame? The competition is fierce. You could get a used Rolex Explorer for similar money, or a new Omega Speedmaster. But the Santos has something they don’t: a unique design that transcends trends. It works with a suit, a t-shirt, or even a diving wetsuit (though I wouldn’t take it deeper than 100m WR). The large model isn’t too big for smaller wrists, but it makes a statement. The only downside? Some might find the square shape less conventional. But that’s exactly its beauty. It’s a watch for people who know history and appreciate a design that hasn’t aged a day in over a century. So, the question is: Are you ready to crown this Cartier Santos de Cartier large model WHSA0015 a wrist game champion? Or will you let it slip away? The votes are in your hands.