Cartier Santos Galbee XL Stainless Steel and 9.47 CTW Diamond Wristwatch
 
Brand: Cartier
Model Name: Santos Galbee XL
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Caseback Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Cartier Cal.049 (ETA Cal.2892-A2 base), 21 Jewels
Clasp Style: Deployment
Bracelet/Fob Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Fob Style: Link
Bracelet/Fob Length: 7.00"
 
Primary Stone Location: Bezel, Bracelet, Case
Primary Stone Type: Diamond
Primary Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Cut
Primary Stone Count: 926
Primary Stone Dimensions: 1.10 mm - 1.50 mm
Total Primary Stone Carat Weight: 9.47 ctw
Primary Stone Colour Grade: H - I
Primary Stone Clarity Grade: SI1 - I2
 
Secondary Stone Location: Crown
Secondary Stone Type: Spinel
Secondary Stone Details: Lab Grown
Secondary Stone Shape: Round Faceted
Secondary Stone Count: 1
Secondary Stone Dimensions: 3.50 mm
 
DIMENSIONS
Lug to lug dimensions: 45.00 mm
Case to case: 32.00 mm
 
WARRANTY
All watches come with a one year warranty. In-house warranty does not cover water or moisture damage. It also does not cover any physical damage to the watch including, but not limited to: watch bezel, straps, screws, crown/ stem, finishes, clasps/ buckles, watch case, crystal, watch band/ bracelet, any lost or missing stones/ gems on the watch/ watch face. In-house warranty will be voided if the watch is serviced by another party. The warranty start date will be from the day received. 
 
I never thought I would be writing this but as we dive into different worlds our appreciation for some of the more esoteric items found within starts to develop.
 
I remember the first time I was offered a paved, or as it was described at the time, iced out watch. Honestly, I was a little horrified by it. I thought who would do that to a nice Rolex? Well, now I know. Lots of discriminating jewelers and designers do it to appeal to a segment of their clients who cannot just afford the extra bling but indeed know how to celebrate it.
 
Yes, I hear you say, rappers. Well you are both right and wrong. A watch such as this does appeal to rappers and Middle Eastern buyers as extra bling is indeed a great part of their respective cultures, but they are also popular as a dress watch for fancy occasions and even more importantly as an appreciating investment.
 
This Cartier caught my eye and was my first acquisition of a paved watch. I have never regretted it and while I have not had the opportunity to wear it to any fancy functions I would have actually liked to. That on two levels, one wearing the watch, which is striking, and two, being in a world where fancy occasions are not restricted to a movie premier on Netflix.
 
This watch and band scintillate with hundreds of diamonds but it has retained the Cartier Santos Galbee XL watch face which I think really compliments the watch a whole. Some of the paved watches have fully paved faces but I actually prefer those that have retained the original as a lot of thought and design goes into a watch face.
 
The watch has had a complete overhaul internally and the attentions of a accomplished jeweler on its external features so it is as if brand new.
 
The play of coloured reflections and starpoints on this watch is what first won me over and it will you as well. As beautiful as it is in photographs they really do not do it justice.
 
I did agonize about price point on this watch as similar iced out Galbee Santos XL seem to be on offer for an awful lot more that we are asking but at the end of the day I am content with the asking price as I hope you will be.
 
Cheers,
David Grainger