The Cartier Santos de Cartier takes a 19mm strap in Medium (35.1mm) and a 21mm strap in Large (39.8mm). Alligator leather is the best choice for a dressier Santos; black Swift calfskin is the most comfortable everyday option. Send Zenio photos of your watch and wrist to order a strap made for your exact model.
Start with the Custom Watch Straps collection or use the Strap Finder to find your model.
Cartier Santos Sizes — Start Here
Measure across the case, not counting the crown: about 35.1mm is the Medium, about 39.8mm is the Large. The reference number is engraved on the case back — Medium references include WSSA0010 and WSSA0029, Large includes WSSA0018. A strap made for one size does not fit the other, because the lug width and the quick-change fittings are different.
| Model | Case | Lug-to-lug | Thickness | Lug width | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium (WSSA0010) | 35.1mm | 41.9mm | 8.83mm | 19mm* | Calibre 1847 MC, automatic, 42h |
| Large (WSSA0018) | 39.8mm | 47.5mm | 9.38mm | 21mm | Calibre 1847 MC, automatic, 42h, date |
*Medium lug width: strap makers fit 19mm at the case, tapering to 16mm at the buckle. Some dealer listings print 18mm, because the curved case measures differently depending on where the caliper sits. Send Zenio your reference number and photos, and the strap end will be built to your exact watch.
Sources: Bob's Watches — Cartier Santos Buying Guide (case sizes, lug-to-lug, thickness, movement); Hodinkee Shop — Santos de Cartier Large WSSA0018 (21mm lug width); Bezel — Santos de Cartier Large WSSA0018 (21mm lug width, 9.38mm thickness).
Choose Your Material and Colour
One Santos, three different jobs. Pick the material first, then the colour — the table below is the same advice for both sizes.
| Material / Colour | Best for | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Black alligator | Suits, formal occasions | Sharper, more commanding presence |
| Navy alligator | Office to evening | Deep blue depth, modern and understated |
| Himalaya alligator | Standing out quietly | Graduated tones, each strap unique |
| Grey alligator | Softening the square case | Understated and contemporary |
| Red alligator | Evenings, making a statement | Bold, glossy, confident |
| Brown alligator | Everyday warmth | Warm, mature, approachable |
| Pearl white alligator | Light, elegant looks | Soft, delicate, graceful |
| Mint alligator | A fresher, younger Santos | Fresh, playful, contemporary |
| Milk tea alligator | Quiet luxury | Warm, subtle, understated |
| Black Swift calfskin | Everyday comfort | Smooth, supple, relaxed |
| Navy Togo calfskin | Weekends, smart casual | Versatile navy, soft grain |
| Black Sailcloth FKM | Travel, active days | Bold, technical, easy to wear |
| Navy Sailcloth FKM | Active days, softer look | Sporty but less intense than black |
Black alligator — sharper, more commanding presence.
Himalaya alligator — graduated tones, each strap unique.
Grey alligator — understated and contemporary.
Red alligator — bold, glossy, confident.
Brown alligator — warm, mature, approachable.
Pearl white alligator — soft, delicate, graceful.
Mint alligator — fresh, playful, contemporary.
Milk tea alligator — warm, subtle, understated.
Black Swift calfskin — smooth, supple, relaxed.
Navy Togo calfskin — versatile navy, soft grain.
Black Sailcloth FKM — bold, technical, easy to wear.
Navy Sailcloth FKM — sporty but less intense than black.
Why a Santos Strap Costs More Than a Regular Strap
What makes a Santos strap different is not just the leather — it is the strap ends. The Santos uses a quick-change system, so the strap ends must carry compatible quick-release components and a locking mechanism that connects securely to the case. Inside the strap ends are specially designed metal parts that must align precisely with the watch's connection points. When fitted, they hold the strap securely; when released, the integrated mechanism lets the strap come off without complicated steps. A custom Santos strap therefore costs more than a conventional leather strap because of this internal construction and precision work, not only the material you can see.
Fit and Clasp
The strap ends are shaped to the square case and built around the quick-release fittings, so the strap sits flush with no visible gap. A straight, off-the-shelf strap end will not work on this watch — the ends must be engineered for the Santos system. For the clasp, a double-folding deployant clasp spreads pressure evenly around the wrist and keeps the strap secure, while a modern-style clasp is quicker to fasten and unfasten every day. Tell Zenio which clasp you use, or send a photo of it, so the strap tail is made to fit it.
Thickness and Length
Keep the strap ends slim enough to sit flush against the case, and let the strap taper toward the buckle so the square case stays the focus. Length and hole positions are made to your wrist measurement, so the watch sits centred and the buckle closes comfortably.
On the wrist — the strap sits flush against the square case, closed with a deployant buckle.
Order a Custom Cartier Santos Strap at Zenio
- Send Zenio photos of your Santos — front and back — plus your reference number and wrist measurement.
- Choose your material, colour, strap-end shape and clasp.
- Zenio will confirm the details with you before making the strap. Simple straps typically take 7–10 days; special straps take 10–14 days.
- Start with the Custom Watch Straps collection, explore Alligator Watch Straps, or use the Strap Finder to find your model.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Cartier Santos Straps
Should I choose alligator leather or Sailcloth FKM for my Cartier Santos?
Alligator leather is ideal for a luxurious, sophisticated look. Sailcloth FKM is better if you prefer a sporty, active style and everyday practicality.
Does a Cartier Santos strap require specially constructed strap ends?
Yes. The strap ends must be designed for the Santos quick-change system, with quick-release components and a locking mechanism that align precisely with the case.
Is calfskin leather a good choice for the Cartier Santos?
Yes. Black Swift and Navy Togo are excellent options if you want a softer, more comfortable strap that makes your Santos easier to wear every day.
How long does Zenio take to make a Cartier Santos strap?
Simple straps typically take 7–10 days; special straps take 10–14 days.
