Cartier Santos Service: The Cartier Santos is an enduring symbol of luxury and sophistication, blending timeless design with reliable performance. Recently, we had the privilege of servicing a Cartier Santos Quartz Galbée ladies’ watch, a delicate yet iconic piece that represents Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship. Purchased by our client from a pawn broker, this timepiece had struggled to maintain accurate time from the outset, with time loss becoming progressively worse over the years. Our comprehensive Cartier Santos Service brought this elegant watch back to its best, ensuring its continued beauty and performance.

Cartier Santos Service -Caseback removed
Cartier Santos Service - close up Cal. 157

Assessing the Watch’s Condition – Cartier Santos Service

Upon arrival, the client’s Quartz Galbée showed classic signs of neglect common in pre-owned timepieces. The time loss indicated potential issues with the quartz movement, such as degraded lubricants, debris buildup, or a drained battery. The caseback gaskets, essential for maintaining water resistance, had hardened over time, compromising the watch’s protective seal. Fortunately, the movement was free of serious damage, and no replacement parts were required beyond new gaskets.

Cartier Santos Service Dial hands and movement removed from the case.
Cartier Santos Service - movement prior to disassembly

Thorough Disassembly and Cleaning – Cartier Santos Service

Servicing began with the careful disassembly of the Santos’ quartz movement. Each component was meticulously removed and inspected. Although quartz movements are often less complex than their mechanical counterparts, they demand no less precision and care during servicing.

The movement’s components were manually cleaned to remove old oils, dirt, and debris. Pegging the jewel holes and contact points ensured the smooth operation of the gear train and the optimal performance of the quartz oscillator. A replacement battery was installed during this process, ensuring that the movement received a fresh source of power.

Cartier Santos Service- Cal.157 with circuit, coil and train plate removed
Cartier Santos Service - Showing signs of water ingress

Multi-Stage Cleaning Process – Cartier Santos Service

To guarantee the movement’s cleanliness, the disassembled parts were placed in a specialized rotary cleaning machine. This multi-stage process uses cleaning solutions followed by rinsing cycles to eliminate even the most stubborn contaminants. Once cleaned, the parts were thoroughly dried to prevent moisture from compromising the movement during reassembly.

Reassembly – Cartier Santos Service

With the movement cleaned and inspected, it was carefully reassembled. Every gear, pivot, and contact point was aligned to ensure optimal functionality. Through careful adjustment, the Santos Quartz Galbée was restored to its original timekeeping precision.

Cartier Santos Service - Movement parts in parts box with the case displayed on a watchmakers cushion.
Cartier Santos Service - Assembly of the Cartier Calibre 157

Case Restoration and Gasket Replacement

The Santos’ iconic Bi-metal case, with its elegant curves and polished surfaces, was cleaned in an ultrasonic bath to remove accumulated dirt and oils. The case screws and signature bezel were gently polished to restore their luster while preserving the watch’s original finish.

The degraded gaskets were replaced with fresh seals, essential for ensuring water resistance and protecting the movement from external elements. Once the new gaskets were fitted, the watch was pressure-tested to confirm it met Cartier’s original specifications for water resistance.

Final Testing and Quality Assurance – Cartier Santos Service

Following reassembly, the Santos Quartz Galbée underwent a 5 day testing period to monitor its timekeeping and performance. The watch displayed flawless precision, maintaining its accuracy throughout the test. Once the testing was complete, the timepiece was returned to the client, fully restored and ready for everyday wear.

Cartier Santos Service - Applying the dial and hands of the Cartier Calibre 157
Cartier Santos Service - Applying a new caseback gasket to ensure water resistance.

Expert Cartier Santos Service

If your Cartier Santos—whether mechanical or quartz—is in need of servicing, drop us a message on our contact page. Our Cartier Santos Service combines meticulous craftsmanship with modern techniques to ensure your timepiece operates at its best. G

For more updates on the watches we restore, follow us on Facebook, where we share additional projects and insights. Contact us today to discuss how we can preserve the elegance and precision of your Cartier timepiece.


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