Mr_Nice_Watch writes: I recently visited Juwelier Weber, a beautiful jewelry store in Gelsenkirchen, nestled in the heart of the German Ruhr. I got the chance to put my hands on a brand new 2019 Cartier Santos Large Model Blue Dial, reference WSSA0013. For reference . . .
The Cartier Santos is credited with being both the first men’s wristwatch and the first pilot’s watch (same time), unleashed on the world in 1904. Named after its first customer, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, powered by a Jaeger movement, the Santos was an instant classic.
In 2018, Cartier clocked the market for plus-sized models and decided to go big. They unveiled a large version of their iconic Santos collection, increasing the case to 39.8mm x 47.5mm — a perfect size for most wrists. Compared to its smaller predecessors, the XL Santos has a more sporty and modern appeal.
At first, the new Cartier Santos was only available with a classic white dial. At this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Cartier unveliled a blue dial variant.
You may have noticed that I like blue dials. The Cartier Santos’ face is my blue heaven. It changes color depending on the light, fading from a beautiful light blue to a moody dark black. In case the owner gets bored with the steel bracelet’s silky smooth finish, the $6,850 Cartier comes complete with a navy blue calfskin strap. Free!
To enable the perfect fit, Cartier’s created their “SmartLinks” system. You can remove a link by pressing a small push-piece on their underside, allowing you to size the bracelet perfectly without a screwdriver. It’s the most clever stainless steel bracelet I’ve ever seen on a watch. 
I wasn’t a fan of the white dial Cartier Santos. The blue one transforms the timepiece, offering an ideal mixture of elegance and sportiness. I really want this watch for my collection and was sooo close to pulling the trigger on it. But didn’t.
The adventure continues.