About Chronograph Watches
The chronograph complication has roots in early nineteenth-century scientific and sporting timekeeping, and over nearly two centuries it evolved from a simple ink-marking pocket watch device into one of the most sought-after complications in wristwatches. Today the term describes any watch with a stopwatch function integrated alongside the main timekeeping display, typically operated by pushers at the two and four o'clock positions on the case. Cartier's Santos de Cartier chronograph brings that heritage into a distinctly architectural package: the Santos silhouette, first conceived for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in the early twentieth century, is one of the oldest named wristwatches in history, and the chronograph variant adds functional depth to that storied design. References like the WSSA0017 in full steel and the W2SA0008 in steel and yellow gold illustrate how a single model line can offer meaningfully different aesthetics within a consistent case architecture.
What to Look For
When shopping Santos de Cartier chronographs, the primary choice is case material: the all-steel WSSA0017 delivers a sportier, more versatile look, while the steel and yellow gold W2SA0008 introduces warmth and a dressier character suited to formal occasions. Both are offered in the extra-large case size, which provides generous dial legibility and strong wrist presence, so buyers should confirm their comfort with that sizing before purchasing. Condition, completeness of box and papers, and authenticated service history are the key value drivers in the pre-owned and new luxury chronograph market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case size of the Santos de Cartier Extra-Large Chronograph?
The Santos de Cartier Extra-Large Chronograph is sized in Cartier's largest Santos case footprint, designed to offer a bold, modern wrist presence with strong dial legibility. Cartier designates this tier 'Extra-Large,' and it is the configuration found in both the steel WSSA0017 and the steel and yellow gold W2SA0008 references carried by Bizak and Co.
What is the difference between references WSSA0017 and W2SA0008?
The WSSA0017 is crafted entirely in stainless steel with a silver dial, giving it a clean, sporty aesthetic, while the W2SA0008 pairs stainless steel with yellow gold accents and also features a silver dial, lending it a more classic two-tone character. Both share the Santos de Cartier Extra-Large case, the iconic square shape with visible screws, and the integrated chronograph complication.
Are the chronograph watches at Bizak and Co. authentic and do they come with documentation?
Every chronograph listed at Bizak and Co. is authenticated before it is offered for sale, and new examples such as those in the Santos de Cartier collection are accompanied by their original Cartier box and papers. Buyers are encouraged to contact Bizak and Co. directly for specific documentation details on individual references prior to purchase.
Browse also: Cartier collection · chronograph watches.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
