Just received the Santos XL (40mm) WSSA0037 (ADLC bezel) from BV Factory and wanted to share my thoughts on it.
First off dimensions:
Gen dimensions taken from Cartier’s website
Case Length 47.5mm
Case Width 39.8mm
Case Thickness 9.38mm
BVF dimensions:
Case Length 47.4mm
Case Width 39.9mm
Case Thickness 9.4mm
Note case width is measured from the crown guards, case width without CG’s is 38mm. Also some of these measurements maybe very slightly out due to trying to take a picture with the callipers.
Case:
The case shape and finish look very accurate to gen, including lugs and crown guards The finish is also very good with the brushed surfaces showing good depth to the brushing especially when it catches the light. The polished edges are also done well, mirror polished and very reflective.
Dial & Hands
The WSSA0037 dial has 2 types of sunburst on it with the centre section having vertical sunburst. While the outer part of the dial has the more recognised sunburst that is angled towards the centre point of the dial. Both types are reproduced extremely well by BVF, with the dial reflecting beautifully in different lighting conditions. The inner part of the dial is also slightly inset from the outer, and again this has been replicated very well. It is a subtle detail which is only really noticeable from certain angles. The numerals look just slightly thinner especially the I’s, with the spaces between I’s slightly bigger compared to gen. The biggest flaw with the dial is that it is not lumed at all. The gen has lume on the numerals and the 5 minute plots on the inner minute track. Depending on your love of lume this may be a dealbreaker, worth considering.
All of the hands look very accurate compared to gen as well. Shape and size look very well done. Hands are lumed on the rep, minute and hour hands.
Dial comparison, BVF left, gen right (BVF image courtesy of JTime)
Bracelet:
The Santos bracelet is beautifully designed with the decorative rivets in the links and the brushed surfaces to match the case. Cartier’s gen bracelet contains 2 propriety designs:
Both of these systems have been replicated flawlessly here which is amazing, as it is something that could have quite easily been ignored.
The bracelet can be removed by simply pushing the tab/button on the under side and pushing down gently. Just as easy to install, line it up and push up until it clicks and locks in place.
The SmartLink system is amazing, on each of the removable links there is a small tab to one side of the link (the same side that the pin is located). Just push this with your fingertip and the pin will pop out. Pull the pin out to just over a centimetre and the link will separate. Note the pin is designed so that it can’t be completely removed, so don’t get heavy handed and try and rip it out. This is also considerate so that the pins won’t get lost. To insert a link line it up and push the pin down with the tip of your finger nail carefully. Simples.
The clasp is also very well made and feels nice and secure. The double C logo on the back is well done, not engraved quite as deep as the gen but that’s to be expected.
Overall I think BVF have a done an amazing job on this rep. The biggest flaw for me is the dial lume. I may look to replace the dial with a gen if I can get one for a good price.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, hopefully you found it useful.
First off dimensions:
Gen dimensions taken from Cartier’s website
Case Length 47.5mm
Case Width 39.8mm
Case Thickness 9.38mm
BVF dimensions:
Case Length 47.4mm
Case Width 39.9mm
Case Thickness 9.4mm
Note case width is measured from the crown guards, case width without CG’s is 38mm. Also some of these measurements maybe very slightly out due to trying to take a picture with the callipers.
Case:
The case shape and finish look very accurate to gen, including lugs and crown guards The finish is also very good with the brushed surfaces showing good depth to the brushing especially when it catches the light. The polished edges are also done well, mirror polished and very reflective.
Dial & Hands
The WSSA0037 dial has 2 types of sunburst on it with the centre section having vertical sunburst. While the outer part of the dial has the more recognised sunburst that is angled towards the centre point of the dial. Both types are reproduced extremely well by BVF, with the dial reflecting beautifully in different lighting conditions. The inner part of the dial is also slightly inset from the outer, and again this has been replicated very well. It is a subtle detail which is only really noticeable from certain angles. The numerals look just slightly thinner especially the I’s, with the spaces between I’s slightly bigger compared to gen. The biggest flaw with the dial is that it is not lumed at all. The gen has lume on the numerals and the 5 minute plots on the inner minute track. Depending on your love of lume this may be a dealbreaker, worth considering.
All of the hands look very accurate compared to gen as well. Shape and size look very well done. Hands are lumed on the rep, minute and hour hands.
Dial comparison, BVF left, gen right (BVF image courtesy of JTime)
Bracelet:
The Santos bracelet is beautifully designed with the decorative rivets in the links and the brushed surfaces to match the case. Cartier’s gen bracelet contains 2 propriety designs:
- QuickSwitch system – allows the bracelet/strap to be changed easily with a push of a release button.
- SmartLink – an ingenious design that allows you to add/remove links without the requirement of any tools.
The bracelet can be removed by simply pushing the tab/button on the under side and pushing down gently. Just as easy to install, line it up and push up until it clicks and locks in place.
The SmartLink system is amazing, on each of the removable links there is a small tab to one side of the link (the same side that the pin is located). Just push this with your fingertip and the pin will pop out. Pull the pin out to just over a centimetre and the link will separate. Note the pin is designed so that it can’t be completely removed, so don’t get heavy handed and try and rip it out. This is also considerate so that the pins won’t get lost. To insert a link line it up and push the pin down with the tip of your finger nail carefully. Simples.
The clasp is also very well made and feels nice and secure. The double C logo on the back is well done, not engraved quite as deep as the gen but that’s to be expected.
Overall I think BVF have a done an amazing job on this rep. The biggest flaw for me is the dial lume. I may look to replace the dial with a gen if I can get one for a good price.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, hopefully you found it useful.
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