The "Cartier Santos Octagon" arrived today.
This watch is believed to have been repaired by Cartier in later years.
The dial has been replaced with "SWISS MADE" inscription.
The bracelet is fitted with a double buckle for extra strength.
Vintage Cartier models often have cracked dials due to deterioration of the paint.
To make it look nice, you can replace the dial.
Of course, genuine dials will need to be repaired by the manufacturer,
A complete service and replacement of various parts will cost approximately 140,000 yen.
That alone would be a very expensive repair...
As I wrote about the Santos Vendome bracelet replacement,
The bracelet alone costs about 650,000 yen.
It's not a huge amount, but it's not something you can easily exchange.
However, the dial and bracelet of the Santos Octagon we have just received are of the current standard.
At the very least, the repairs were likely to have cost the above amounts.
The repair cost me at least 800,000 yen...but that still saves me money on a watch!
Even though vintage watches are the same watch, each one is unique and in a different condition.
Some of these may have been repaired in the past at great expense, as in this case.
Even if you could buy the same watch for less, if you are asked if you would like to replace the dial or bracelet,
Probably most people wouldn't do that.
If you can get one that already has durable parts replaced from the start, there's no reason not to choose it, right?
These items, like everything else, are once in a lifetime.
Cartier vintage watches are very popular,
Given the conditions, there's no reason not to buy it.
Rather than hesitating about not buying it, this is the best item you should really think about buying!
