Cartier Santos 100 XL Chronograph Discontinued

In-Depth Review

# The Santos 100 XL Chronograph: A Discontinued Icon That Still Commands Respect

Cartier's oversized interpretation of its most recognizable sports watch represents an understated departure from the brand's typical approach to complications. The Santos 100 XL Chronograph, discontinued after introducing its larger 46.5mm format in 2004, channels the collection's architectural DNA—those signature exposed screws, the integrated bracelet design—while adding genuine functionality through its in-house Cartier 8630 MC movement. The ADLC-coated bezel and black rubber strap ground what could have been a dress watch into something decidedly more purposeful. At 16.3mm thick with 100 meters of water resistance, this is a watch that bristles with practical intent rather than subtle refinement, a philosophical shift that apparently didn't resonate enough with Cartier's customer base to keep it in production.

The Santos 100 XL Chronograph occupies an awkward middle ground in the luxury market, which partly explains its discontinuation. It appeals to collectors who've exhausted the obvious choices—those seeking alternatives to the Omega Speedmaster or TAG Heuer Autavia at the $8,500 secondary market price point—yet it lands in Cartier's portfolio as somewhat of a tonal misfit. The watch demands a wearer comfortable with bold proportions and industrial aesthetics from a brand known for refined elegance. This is precisely why it attracts a specific breed of owner: someone skeptical of Swiss watchmaking conventions, uninterested in vintage Rolex mythology, and willing to appreciate Cartier's engineering credentials alongside its jewelry heritage. The discontinued status has only strengthened its collector appeal, transforming a commercial misstep into a sought-after oddity that trades well below its original $12,500 asking price