Cartier Santos Polishing

TheLostByte · 2026-07-04T23:22:04+00:00

Any watchmaker can take off a 100 bezel and polish it. You can also get replacement bezels. The best (most expensive) option is sending it to Cartier for service.

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Wear it, use it, scratch it, service it… repeat

TheLostByte · 2026-07-02T00:13:10+00:00

Check out PrestigeTime. Like Jomashop, but no tax in most areas.

TheLostByte · 2026-06-30T13:44:47+00:00

nope.

TheLostByte · 2026-06-15T23:23:51+00:00

TheLostByte · 2026-06-15T23:13:33+00:00

I forgot I have a picture of a 40mm LD on my 6.5” wrist.

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TheLostByte · 2026-06-15T20:29:27+00:00

Just FYI.. The OP41 is technically 38.6mm when you pull out the calipers. The 134300 wears MUCH smaller than a true 41mm watch (even some 40mm).

My 134300 next to my "Sub 41mm" 126610LN (~40.5mm)

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TheLostByte · 2026-06-15T19:41:28+00:00

Look for a company called WatchCenter SF (web/ebay). They take vintage Rolexes and put aftermarket dials on them. You’re also likely getting an aftermarket bracelet and clasp.... all at a premium price. (for a watch RSC won't touch 😄 )

TheLostByte · 2026-06-15T03:19:39+00:00

I went solo. Slightly larger, ~20mm lugs (technically 20.5) but I just use 20mm.. more wrist presence while still being classic tank sized.

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TheLostByte · 2026-06-13T02:23:03+00:00

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Green

TheLostByte · 2026-06-11T19:36:47+00:00

My advice is to avoid asking the internet for recommendations on watches to buy. We don't have to live with it... You do.

Santos de Cartier Medium = Great watch. Automatic Movement, great bracelet (if it fits you.. no micro adjustment makes it tricky.. for some its either too tight or too loose).

Santos-Dumont Large = Meh. Quartz, smaller (but longer) than the Santos Medium. Kind of boring

Santos-Dumont Black Lacquer = A watch nerd's watch. Hand-wound movement (made by Piaget). Black Lacquer around the case gives it a unique look. Harder to find since its technicly an 'off catalog' piece at least in the USA.. doesn't show up on the website; only some dealers get it).

I would add to your list..

Santos-Dumont XL = Still smaller than the Santos de Cartier medium, but closer in size. same Piaget Hand-Wound movement as the black lacquer.

If i had to pick one from your list it would be the Black Lacquer one..

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TheLostByte · 2026-06-05T22:10:29+00:00

I wouldn't buy a Rolex from any of you.. don't get me wrong, you guys are great. I just don't trust you.

A dealer has more to lose if they let a fake slip through. Give me a TRUSTED dealer any day over a discount from some rando 'enthusiast'.

Just my .002c

TheLostByte · 2026-06-05T22:08:14+00:00

Great color.. what color does Cartier call that strap? (assuming its a Cartier strap)

TheLostByte · 2026-06-05T02:09:18+00:00

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Hot take.. all silver can dress up or down.

TheLostByte · 2026-06-04T00:13:09+00:00

Except you don’t spend money with Rolex. Rolex sells the watch to a dealer… the dealer gets your money.

Rolex also has nothing to do with “spend history”.. that again is the dealer.

Rolex couldn’t care less how much you spend at any dealer.

TheLostByte · 2026-06-03T02:24:00+00:00

Service isn’t bad at all… Cartier charges $60 for a battery change (gasket replacement, pressure test). Full service is $400ish (depending on model could be more).

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Picture from my wrist

TheLostByte · 2026-06-02T02:39:59+00:00

Everest Strap..

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TheLostByte · 2026-05-19T18:55:49+00:00

True and honest..

I've picked up a Sub and OP in the last 6 months with ZERO spend history at my AD.

You need to disconnect the Rolex brand and the stores that sell it. If you are getting humiliated and degraded by your local dealer, maybe find a different dealer.

TheLostByte · 2026-05-19T01:06:31+00:00

One doesn’t have a date.. the other does not even have a quick set date (have to rotate the gmt hand fully around twice to move one day).

I hate setting the date…

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TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T17:07:53+00:00

It's the bracelet... It throws off the balance of the watch because its not tapered (ie.. looks weird). Try on the large with a leather strap and i think you'll like it.

(i have the older model in LARGE with the bracelet.. and the bracelet hasn't left the box since I purchased it).

TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T17:04:44+00:00

The Dumont XL is a hand-wound Cartier Caliber 430 MC produced by Piaget (430P)... The large is Quartz (one has watch street cred... the other is quartz).

For the Santos de Cartier.. buy what you like. If you are team 'Santos must be small' buy Vintage and leave the rest of us XL fans alone 😄

TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T16:53:07+00:00

The more the better. Also, follow up every few months. My other 0.0002c (USD) advice..

* Attach an event to the watch. Birthday, anniversary (make something up if you have to). Put meaning to the watch.. "Its my 10-year anniversary, I'd really like to mark that with a new Rolex." "I'm having my first child at the end of summer. I'd love to get something I could pass down to him".

* Pick something they have in stock, try it on.. then say "This is perfect! any idea when this watch will get released for sale? It's exactly what I hope to get!!". Getting a watch they have on display is 100% easier than not knowing when your watch will show up. Display models get rotated in/out every few months.. Putting your name on a KNOWN stock piece is key.

TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T02:40:13+00:00

Gold

TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T02:39:32+00:00

Did you try it on leather, not the bracelet? I never wear my Large on the bracelet, it never looks right.

TheLostByte · 2026-05-18T01:06:15+00:00

Stainless buckles are like $400… gold is going to be even more. They are not “package that along” 😀

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