This is what happens when you casually walk into a jewelry store when visiting another city. You walk out with a Cartier Santos 100.

The 2018 Santos is the familiar square shape but now has some subtle curves. The Roman numeral hour markers are still there. Those blue sword-style hands are worthy of the Game of Thrones! The medium size model does not have a date complication like the larger version, which is just fine by me. It measures about 35mm by 42mm and just slides perfectly under a shirt cuff, leaving a tantalizing glimpse. The polished bezel looks great now but care will be needed to prevent scratching – unless you consider scratches add character!

On the inside there is an in-house movement (Cartier caliber 1847 MC) with a reported 42 hour power reserve. It hasn’t been off the wrist long enough to verify this yet. Unfortunately the solid case back prevents any view of this 23 jewel mechanism beating at 4 Hz.

The bracelet is stunning. It is solid stainless steel with slightly angulated brushed surfaces and polished edges on the links. The “Smartlink” system makes adjusting the bracelet to fit every wrist very easy. Speaking of easy, the “QuickSwitch” system for changing from the bracelet to the included leather strap can be done even with the clumsiest of fingers or thumbs. If you are one of those who like to change your bracelet to straps regularly, you will need to purchase more strap options from Cartier to work with this system.

I flew back home with my new Cartier Santos 100, not so worried what my wife would say about “another watch” but more in fear she may want it as the medium size is a perfect unisex watch.