WATCH BUYER · AI
No photo yet

Cartier

Santos de Cartier Large Rose Gold

WGSA0018

The iconic aviator silhouette reborn in rose gold.

Estimated market value
$23,850
Confidence: High
Original retail: $40,000

An estimate from current market data — not an offer. Your actual value depends on condition, completeness, and authentication.

Get an instant offer

Free insured shipping. Paid within 48 hours of inspection.

Overview

The Santos de Cartier Large in rose gold (ref. WGSA0018) presents one of watchmaking's most recognisable case shapes in warm 18 ct rose gold, measuring 39.8 mm across. A silvered opaline dial with Roman numerals and the signature exposed square screws on the bezel maintain the architectural vocabulary Louis Cartier and Alberto Santos-Dumont established in the early twentieth century. Powering the watch is Cartier's in-house Calibre 1847 MC, a movement introduced as part of the maison's broader push toward manufacture self-sufficiency.

History

The Santos was first created by Louis Cartier around 1904 for the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, making it one of the earliest purpose-built wristwatches for a man. The design was periodically revised and commercially relaunched across the decades, with a major contemporary reinterpretation arriving in 2018 that introduced the WGSA0018 reference alongside an updated case architecture and the QuickSwitch interchangeable-strap system. The rose gold large variant sits at the top of the refreshed Santos hierarchy, appealing to collectors who prize the model's historical pedigree alongside modern finishing standards.

Notable points

  • Case crafted in 18 ct rose gold at 39.8 mm, balancing a substantial presence with dress-watch proportions.
  • Silvered opaline dial with blued-steel sword hands and Roman numerals echoes the original Santos aesthetic.
  • Calibre 1847 MC is an in-house Cartier movement, reflecting the maison's commitment to manufacture independence.
  • The 2018 redesign introduced the QuickSwitch system, allowing strap changes without tools.
  • Exposed square screws on the bezel and integrated bracelet lugs are defining architectural details carried from the original 1904 design.

Specifications

Brand
Cartier
Collection
Santos
Reference
WGSA0018
Years of production
2018 – present
Case
39.8mm Rose gold
Case material
18k rose gold
Case diameter
39.8 mm
Movement
Cal. 1847 MC
Crystal
Sapphire
Dial
Silvered opaline, Roman numerals
Bezel
Rose gold with exposed screws
Bracelet / strap
Rose gold bracelet, SmartLink + QuickSwitch, extra alligator strap
Water resistance
100 m
Power reserve
42 h
Complications
Date
Type
Dress
Worn as
Men's
Also known as
サントス, 山度士, 桑托斯

Related watches