I had the same power reserve issue with my Tank Must XL and it turned out the rotor wasn't working, hence not winding up the watch. I had to send it back for an exchange with Watches of Switzerland. They were really good about it and got a different brand new watch within a week. I hope they have fixed this issue with this movement since I'lve heard many people with power reserve problem.
Yes, this seems to be a common problem. I don’t know exactly how they fixed my santos or what items they replaced … but mine seems much better. I still don’t think it has the claimed 42 hours of reserve, but it seems to be about 36 hours. And I am fine with that. Thanks so much for your comment and reaching out. 😊
I’m having the same issue with my medium santos. I’ve owned it for a 2 months or so now and noticed the power reserve being drastically over stated. I’ve also had it keep poor time once or twice but I’m really hoping that’s just because it wasn’t wound well enough(not the most user friendly watch to wind). I plan on taking it in but I’ve read some horror stories about Cartier’s customer service. I’m glad yours was fairly seamless. Two months to lose my watch and not have a thorough explanation as to what the issue was on my new $8,000 wrist watch is going to really bum me out.
Hey Dougie..forum member here. Same thing happened to me till it stopped seconds after winding. Cartier tried to deny warranty work and assumed broke or abused the Santos. I argued that my watch is still in mint condition with no scratches at all as I don't wear it much. They ended up fixing it and told me its a "broken mainplate". Total a turn off for me, probably won't pick up another Cartier.
Hey MrDucatiti, of course I remember you a soon as I saw your name … thanks so much for your comment. I am SO SORRY to learn of the troubles with your Santos. And really disappointed Cartier did not take care of that situation for you! That is not fair and I can totally understand your frustration with the brand. I’ve heard others say they had troubles with power reserve on the forums so maybe Cartier will recognize there is a manufacturer’s defect or problem and take care of this for its customers. I don’t know if it will help, but maybe show them my video showing this (may be) a more common problem and they will rectify it for you. Wishing all my best to you!
I had the exact same issue with my santos large that i purchased about a year ago. The power reserve would run out if it sat overnight (even after 40-50 winds and wearing all day). Was so annoying especially because the large model has a date that would need to be set as well. I ended up taking it back to cartier. At first they did a check of the movement and said it was fine. I ended up bringing it back again and they finally agreed to replace the movement in the watch free of charge. It took a couple weeks and after that it has been great ever since. I do however think that this movement has some issues based on my experience and a lot of other stories i have seen or read from owners of this watch.
Thanks for your comment NLH24. I’m seeing this is a more frequent situation than just mine. I’m glad they fixed yours and I hope you won’t have any more troubles with it.
@@DougsPerspective Same issue with my Santos (after less than 2 years). It says "Swiss Made" - but it definitely has some "French Engineering" built into it. 😵
Believe it or not I was told 50 winds as well i said that’s way too much a friend told me the sales associate didn’t know what he was talking about. You are correct sir!
Sorry to hear that. If you’re wearing it all day and it only last 10hrs then there’s definitely an issue. I’ve got the previous generation Santos Galbee 2823. It has an ETA 2893 movement. In house movements aren’t all they’re cracked up to be imo.
Thank you Nick for your comment! And I agree, a tried and true ETA, or other, can be a more reliable (and easier to service) movement. Since I got my watch back it has been running exactly at the (specified) 42 hour power reserve. Hopefully it will continue. Luckily, it has an 8 year warranty.
This Cartier is on my list for sure! On another note, I’ve never understood/liked travel pouches as it leaves the watch to slide around allowing the bracelet to scratch the watch case. Not good. Great video! Thanks.
Hi Doug ! I had also problems with my Cartier watches. I bought in 2000 a Chronoscaph 21 with quartz movement (no problems) in 2002 a Tank with power reserve problems, and in 2004 a Roadster that stopped with no apparent reason. Fortunately both had still the warranty. Years later, when I began using internet I read that all these watches at least at that time, were made with an ETA movement. This is a movement made in Switzerland but not from the best quality… you can buy them for a few hundreds of Euros. Of course I felt highly disappointed and even scammed by this brand. I was thinking I was buying the best with an in-house movement ! Other brands that use this cheap movement (at least in the early 2000) were Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling, Baumé Mercier, Bell Ross and even Chopard, Bulgari and Panerai. Some of them use another cheap movement called Sellita. Sometimes we are paying a very high price for a famous brand and a nice design. 😢
ETA (Swatch group) is not a "cheap" (in the sense of bad quality) movements provider at all. The 2892-a2, very commonly used by a lot of high-end brands you quote around the 2000's, is actually a very reliable movement. It is to be noticed that there is no real regulations with movements. If manufacturers use a generic movement like ETA's and make the tiniest modification on it, they can rebrand the movement name and let you think it's an in-house movement. In house-movements are kind of gambles. Lately manufacturers were led to develop true in-house movements because ETA announced they wouldn't sell movements outside the Swatch Group anymore. Depending on the watch and it's use, having an ETA movement can be a very interesting choice: you can have it serviced easily and quickly anywhere in the world for a cheap price and you don't have to worry about the future as your watch will be always easily serviceable anywhere by almost anyone. At the contrary, true in-house movements (ie, not ETA-like based) need specialists to be serviced. Also, due to the pressure on the industry made by the Swatch Group stopping ETA sells, a lot of brands have rushed into developing in-house movements that can be much less reliable than an ETA, known and used for decades by a lot of manufacturers. I wouldn't be much worried about "young" Cartier movement, though. First as they propose a guarantee that offers up to 8 years of tranquility! Second, even if they may encounter some expected youth flaws, they belong to Richemont which owns not only A. Lange & Söhne but also JLC with whom Cartier shares a long industrial partnership history. I am very happy with my new 1847 MC Santos de Cartier medium. But a Santos with a good old ETA would have also pleased me on a technical side. On an historical and emotional side, the only thing that make me prefers the 1847 MC is that it may (actually Cartier is very silent about it) have some JLC technology or inspiration in it, even if they seem to have kept the ETA sizing. To sum up, depending on the brands history and skills, in-house movements are far yet to be a grail compared to ETA's. But now brands don't have much choice as ETA is stopping outsourcing sells outside the Swatch Group.
I am sorry to hear this Louis - they certainly are beautiful watches and if QC & reliability are not there, it is a “hollow product.” What other watches do you have and like?
I actually like Rolex's packaging more. To be honest, I am amazed how "cheap" Cartier's watch box is (the clasp on mine does not work properly). But the best packaging that I have experienced so far is Omega's. Their watch boxes are made of wood and quite spectacular! Thanks for your comment!
Pleased to hear you've got your beloved Santos back and working! Btw, why did you mention the date function as being "important" in reference to your no-date watch?? I picked-up my Santos large white dial two weeks ago and it has now become my favorite go-to watch! Also, ordered a blue alligator leather strap to match the blued hands and blue spinel. The power reserve is most certainly an issue as I found out today, when I grabbed my watch checked the time and to my surprise it had stopped! After hearing your experience I need to do a controlled test and check if the watch actually gives me the spec'd 42 hours.
Hi Alberto, congrats on your santos - like you, I love this watch! When I referred to the date vs no date version it was because with a no date of the watch winds down it is easier to set. Whereas if a died version power reserve stops one would have longer to reset time and date. Definitely test your watch and if it is grossly deficient, I would recommend taking it back for free service to correct the problem. Even after service, my watch is good for about 36 hours (not quite the advertised 42 hours).
@@DougsPerspective Cheers! Not too much PT to set the date as well! I will most definitely test the power reserve as I was a bit shocked today when I noticed my watch had stopped!
@@DougsPerspective The power reserve test results of my watch is in! The actual measured power reserve of my watch = 36h37' (91.5%) which is 3h23' (8.5%) lower than the claimed 40h power reserve! Not entirely sure this is acceptable as I would've expected at least >95%. Anyhow, guess it is what it is and won't break my head over it! 😜
Sorry to hear that, It jump at my eyes only the facts that you maybe was unfortunate but to wind a watch fifty times it's seems a bit weird, your action may can damage the spring barrel itself. I'm not so expert to be right, but whenever you wind the watch you must focus on the resistance that the crown give you as a feedback, even more than 25-30 winding period on other famous brands could easy resoult in a misscarriage of the mechanical heart of the tool.
Haha, love Waterbean! Clicked on this to see the Cartier, but grew up in Mooresville, so that's very cool! Sorry you're having trouble with the power reserve.
Any chance you can give it a full wind and leave it on your dresser for 35 to 50 hours and let me know how long it lasts? I’m dying to know if they serviced it well or not.
@@DougsPerspective thank you! Not a big deal at all from a wearing experience, but still super weird that they can’t get the power reserve to run in spec on a $7,000 watch
Hi Darell, I can’t say I would recommend staying away … it is a wonderful watch. And, they fixed it with no hassle. Obviously, time will tell about the fix (I just picked up the watch yesterday). But I will report back. But if it is not worth the risk to you, there are so many other spectacular watches available. I hope you find the one that is right for you.
Hey Stephen, I don’t agree … it’s a stunning watch steeped in history. This was just an unfortunate situation but the manufacturer corrected it with no hassle and no cost to me. That’s good customer service in my book. Hopefully, the watch is fixed and I won’t have any problems for a long time. 😊
I had the same power reserve issue with my Tank Must XL and it turned out the rotor wasn't working, hence not winding up the watch. I had to send it back for an exchange with Watches of Switzerland. They were really good about it and got a different brand new watch within a week. I hope they have fixed this issue with this movement since I'lve heard many people with power reserve problem.
Yes, this seems to be a common problem. I don’t know exactly how they fixed my santos or what items they replaced … but mine seems much better. I still don’t think it has the claimed 42 hours of reserve, but it seems to be about 36 hours. And I am fine with that. Thanks so much for your comment and reaching out. 😊
I’m having the same issue with my medium santos. I’ve owned it for a 2 months or so now and noticed the power reserve being drastically over stated. I’ve also had it keep poor time once or twice but I’m really hoping that’s just because it wasn’t wound well enough(not the most user friendly watch to wind). I plan on taking it in but I’ve read some horror stories about Cartier’s customer service. I’m glad yours was fairly seamless. Two months to lose my watch and not have a thorough explanation as to what the issue was on my new $8,000 wrist watch is going to really bum me out.
I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing this Bryce - I hope they fix it and you can connect again with your beautiful Santos!
Hey Dougie..forum member here. Same thing happened to me till it stopped seconds after winding. Cartier tried to deny warranty work and assumed broke or abused the Santos. I argued that my watch is still in mint condition with no scratches at all as I don't wear it much. They ended up fixing it and told me its a "broken mainplate". Total a turn off for me, probably won't pick up another Cartier.
Hey MrDucatiti, of course I remember you a soon as I saw your name … thanks so much for your comment. I am SO SORRY to learn of the troubles with your Santos. And really disappointed Cartier did not take care of that situation for you! That is not fair and I can totally understand your frustration with the brand. I’ve heard others say they had troubles with power reserve on the forums so maybe Cartier will recognize there is a manufacturer’s defect or problem and take care of this for its customers. I don’t know if it will help, but maybe show them my video showing this (may be) a more common problem and they will rectify it for you. Wishing all my best to you!
I had the exact same issue with my santos large that i purchased about a year ago. The power reserve would run out if it sat overnight (even after 40-50 winds and wearing all day). Was so annoying especially because the large model has a date that would need to be set as well. I ended up taking it back to cartier. At first they did a check of the movement and said it was fine. I ended up bringing it back again and they finally agreed to replace the movement in the watch free of charge. It took a couple weeks and after that it has been great ever since. I do however think that this movement has some issues based on my experience and a lot of other stories i have seen or read from owners of this watch.
Thanks for your comment NLH24. I’m seeing this is a more frequent situation than just mine. I’m glad they fixed yours and I hope you won’t have any more troubles with it.
@@DougsPerspective Same issue with my Santos (after less than 2 years). It says "Swiss Made" - but it definitely has some "French Engineering" built into it. 😵
@@shaikon5617 Well, since they fixed it, it has been running well and longer (not quite 41 hours but about 36 hours).
@@DougsPerspective Wow. I'm sorry to hear that. What did they say about the 36 hours instead of the stated 41 ?
@@shaikon5617 I did not complain to them regarding the 36 hours - I can live with that since it is a no date (so setting it is very easy).
50 winding turns !
15- 20 winding turns should give You enough power to last 48 hrs easy .
Wind SLOWLY- why- cause it’s automatic .
Thank you for your comment and advice Darlowiak! Wishing you a great day!
Believe it or not I was told 50 winds as well i said that’s way too much a friend told me the sales associate didn’t know what he was talking about. You are correct sir!
Same thoughts, while most automatics cannot be damaged by overwinding, 50 seems a little excessive. I wind all my autos approx 30 times at most.
Sorry to hear that. If you’re wearing it all day and it only last 10hrs then there’s definitely an issue. I’ve got the previous generation Santos Galbee 2823. It has an ETA 2893 movement. In house movements aren’t all they’re cracked up to be imo.
Thank you Nick for your comment! And I agree, a tried and true ETA, or other, can be a more reliable (and easier to service) movement. Since I got my watch back it has been running exactly at the (specified) 42 hour power reserve. Hopefully it will continue. Luckily, it has an 8 year warranty.
Sir that is a beautiful watch...work of art.
Thank you!
This Cartier is on my list for sure! On another note, I’ve never understood/liked travel pouches as it leaves the watch to slide around allowing the bracelet to scratch the watch case. Not good.
Great video! Thanks.
Thank you!
Hi Doug ! I had also problems with my Cartier watches. I bought in 2000 a Chronoscaph 21 with quartz movement (no problems) in 2002 a Tank with power reserve problems, and in 2004 a Roadster that stopped with no apparent reason. Fortunately both had still the warranty. Years later, when I began using internet I read that all these watches at least at that time, were made with an ETA movement. This is a movement made in Switzerland but not from the best quality… you can buy them for a few hundreds of Euros. Of course I felt highly disappointed and even scammed by this brand. I was thinking I was buying the best with an in-house movement ! Other brands that use this cheap movement (at least in the early 2000) were Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling, Baumé Mercier, Bell Ross and even Chopard, Bulgari and Panerai. Some of them use another cheap movement called Sellita. Sometimes we are paying a very high price for a famous brand and a nice design. 😢
Hi Carlos, thank you for your comment. I agree that sometimes we are paying for a name and not getting deserved quality.
ETA (Swatch group) is not a "cheap" (in the sense of bad quality) movements provider at all. The 2892-a2, very commonly used by a lot of high-end brands you quote around the 2000's, is actually a very reliable movement.
It is to be noticed that there is no real regulations with movements. If manufacturers use a generic movement like ETA's and make the tiniest modification on it, they can rebrand the movement name and let you think it's an in-house movement.
In house-movements are kind of gambles. Lately manufacturers were led to develop true in-house movements because ETA announced they wouldn't sell movements outside the Swatch Group anymore.
Depending on the watch and it's use, having an ETA movement can be a very interesting choice: you can have it serviced easily and quickly anywhere in the world for a cheap price and you don't have to worry about the future as your watch will be always easily serviceable anywhere by almost anyone. At the contrary, true in-house movements (ie, not ETA-like based) need specialists to be serviced.
Also, due to the pressure on the industry made by the Swatch Group stopping ETA sells, a lot of brands have rushed into developing in-house movements that can be much less reliable than an ETA, known and used for decades by a lot of manufacturers.
I wouldn't be much worried about "young" Cartier movement, though. First as they propose a guarantee that offers up to 8 years of tranquility! Second, even if they may encounter some expected youth flaws, they belong to Richemont which owns not only A. Lange & Söhne but also JLC with whom Cartier shares a long industrial partnership history.
I am very happy with my new 1847 MC Santos de Cartier medium. But a Santos with a good old ETA would have also pleased me on a technical side. On an historical and emotional side, the only thing that make me prefers the 1847 MC is that it may (actually Cartier is very silent about it) have some JLC technology or inspiration in it, even if they seem to have kept the ETA sizing.
To sum up, depending on the brands history and skills, in-house movements are far yet to be a grail compared to ETA's. But now brands don't have much choice as ETA is stopping outsourcing sells outside the Swatch Group.
I had the same problem with my santos large & my santos 100 completely stopped working I’m very disappointed with cartier
I am sorry to hear this Louis - they certainly are beautiful watches and if QC & reliability are not there, it is a “hollow product.” What other watches do you have and like?
I think the packaging is way better than Rolex and you get so much more value compared to Rolex too when it comes to packaging
I actually like Rolex's packaging more. To be honest, I am amazed how "cheap" Cartier's watch box is (the clasp on mine does not work properly). But the best packaging that I have experienced so far is Omega's. Their watch boxes are made of wood and quite spectacular! Thanks for your comment!
@@DougsPerspectiveIconic red leather vs. cheap green plastic?
Pleased to hear you've got your beloved Santos back and working! Btw, why did you mention the date function as being "important" in reference to your no-date watch??
I picked-up my Santos large white dial two weeks ago and it has now become my favorite go-to watch! Also, ordered a blue alligator leather strap to match the blued hands and blue spinel.
The power reserve is most certainly an issue as I found out today, when I grabbed my watch checked the time and to my surprise it had stopped! After hearing your experience I need to do a controlled test and check if the watch actually gives me the spec'd 42 hours.
Hi Alberto, congrats on your santos - like you, I love this watch! When I referred to the date vs no date version it was because with a no date of the watch winds down it is easier to set. Whereas if a died version power reserve stops one would have longer to reset time and date. Definitely test your watch and if it is grossly deficient, I would recommend taking it back for free service to correct the problem. Even after service, my watch is good for about 36 hours (not quite the advertised 42 hours).
@@DougsPerspective Cheers! Not too much PT to set the date as well! I will most definitely test the power reserve as I was a bit shocked today when I noticed my watch had stopped!
@@DougsPerspective The power reserve test results of my watch is in!
The actual measured power reserve of my watch = 36h37' (91.5%) which is 3h23' (8.5%) lower than the claimed 40h power reserve! Not entirely sure this is acceptable as I would've expected at least >95%. Anyhow, guess it is what it is and won't break my head over it! 😜
Interesting thank you for sharing. both the first part with the issue and the second one comparing with a Daytona.
Thank you for your comment Jorge!
I have exactly the same problem
Hi Hect, I hope yours got sorted. Since mine has returned from servicing, it has been fine.
My santosnis amazing and most commented watch when I wear it
Hi Dave, yes I love it too. And hopefully the mechanical problem I had is now gone. 😊
Sorry to hear that, It jump at my eyes only the facts that you maybe was unfortunate but to wind a watch fifty times it's seems a bit weird, your action may can damage the spring barrel itself. I'm not so expert to be right, but whenever you wind the watch you must focus on the resistance that the crown give you as a feedback, even more than 25-30 winding period on other famous brands could easy resoult in a misscarriage of the mechanical heart of the tool.
Thank you so much for your comment and I agree with your advice :)
I saw more complains about Cartiers movements than any other luxury brand. Its dissapointing to say the least
If it is prevalent, I’ve agree. It’s such a nice watch and classic brand. I hope QA improves.
wow that sucks get a new watch .
Hi Tony, It’s unfortunately, but hopefully it is fixed now. In my last test the power reserve lasted 42 hours which is spot on.
the santos is the only watch i would buy from cartier.
It is a fantastic watch! Thanks for your comment!
Haha, love Waterbean! Clicked on this to see the Cartier, but grew up in Mooresville, so that's very cool! Sorry you're having trouble with the power reserve.
Hi JJ! Thanks so much for your comment … and what a small world! 😁 Luckily, the watch is holding to the 42 hour power reserve now.
Thanks for making this video! I bought the medium Cartier santos and experienced the same power reserve issue. Would take it in to service, thanks
Hi Justin, I hope they fix yours too! Mine is running fine since they serviced it.
Any chance you can give it a full wind and leave it on your dresser for 35 to 50 hours and let me know how long it lasts? I’m dying to know if they serviced it well or not.
I actually did this … it lasted for 36 hours. Not quite to factory claimed 42 hours.
@@DougsPerspective thank you! Not a big deal at all from a wearing experience, but still super weird that they can’t get the power reserve to run in spec on a $7,000 watch
Hi sir may I ask what is your wrist's size?
Hi Eden, yes, my wrist is 7.25” / 18.4cm
Love both watches !
Thanks Sammy!
Thanks for sharing this! I've always liked the Santos but will be staying away based on this review and similar sentiments from others.
Hi Darell, I can’t say I would recommend staying away … it is a wonderful watch. And, they fixed it with no hassle. Obviously, time will tell about the fix (I just picked up the watch yesterday). But I will report back. But if it is not worth the risk to you, there are so many other spectacular watches available. I hope you find the one that is right for you.
Just a bad watch
Hey Stephen, I don’t agree … it’s a stunning watch steeped in history. This was just an unfortunate situation but the manufacturer corrected it with no hassle and no cost to me. That’s good customer service in my book. Hopefully, the watch is fixed and I won’t have any problems for a long time. 😊