What Is the Cartier Santos 2823 Watch and Its Key Features?
The Cartier Santos 2823 refers to models from the iconic Santos collection equipped with the ETA 2823-2 automatic movement. This combination blends luxury design heritage with reliable Swiss engineering, appealing to watch enthusiasts seeking a balance of style and performance. Introduced as part of Cartier’s evolution in square-cased watches, these timepieces highlight precision and durability.
What Is the History Behind the Cartier Santos 2823?
The Santos line originated in 1904, designed for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Early models featured rectangular cases and exposed screws, setting a trend for pilot watches. The Cartier Santos 2823 incorporates the ETA 2823 movement, a workhorse caliber from the 1980s onward, often found in mid-tier luxury watches. This pairing appeared in various references during the 1990s and 2000s, bridging vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.
What Are the Main Specifications of the Cartier Santos 2823?
Typically, the Cartier Santos 2823 features a stainless steel case around 29mm to 35mm in width, with a square shape and Roman numeral dial. The ETA 2823-2 movement offers 25 jewels, a 28,800 vph beat rate, and approximately 38-42 hours of power reserve. It includes hours, minutes, seconds, and often a date window at 3 o’clock. Water resistance stands at 30 meters, suitable for daily wear but not diving.
How Does the ETA 2823 Movement Perform in the Cartier Santos?
The ETA 2823 is renowned for its robustness and accuracy, with COSC certification possible in some variants. In the Cartier Santos 2823, it provides smooth sweeping seconds and reliable timekeeping, often accurate within +6/-4 seconds per day. Its hacking seconds and hand-winding capability add versatility. Maintenance involves standard servicing every 4-6 years, ensuring longevity.
What Are Common Features and Design Elements?
Distinctive elements include the signature blue cabochon crown, screwed bezel with eight visible screws, and bracelet with quick-adjust clasp. Dials feature sword hands and railway track minute markers. Leather straps are also available. The Cartier Santos 2823 emphasizes elegance, with finishes like sunburst or guilloché patterns enhancing light play.
What Should Buyers Know About the Cartier Santos 2823?
These watches hold value well due to Cartier’s prestige and the movement’s reputation. Common issues include gasket wear affecting water resistance or minor accuracy drifts over time. Vintage models may show patina, adding character. Authentication requires checking serial numbers and hallmarks.
In summary, the Cartier Santos 2823 offers timeless design and dependable mechanics, making it a solid choice for collectors and daily wearers alike.
People Also Ask
Is the Cartier Santos 2823 automatic?
Yes, it uses the self-winding ETA 2823-2 automatic movement.
What is the power reserve of the Cartier Santos 2823?
It typically provides 38-42 hours when fully wound.
Can the Cartier Santos 2823 be serviced easily?
Yes, the widespread ETA 2823 allows for straightforward servicing by qualified watchmakers.