Q: What are the key details of this Santos Octagon?
A: It is a vintage Cartier Santos Octagon, reference 187903, with a 25 mm stainless steel case, an 18k yellow gold octagonal bezel with exposed screws, a cream dial with black Roman numerals, blued hands, a date at 3 o’clock, and a stainless steel bracelet with gold screws. It is powered by a quartz movement.

Q: How does the 25 mm size wear, and will it fit my wrist?
A: The 25 mm Octagon is the small model and wears compact and elegant. This particular bracelet currently fits wrists up to 16.5 cm; links can be removed for a tighter fit. If you need extra length, additional links may be sourced separately, subject to availability.

Q: Is this watch unisex?
A: Although historically marketed as a ladies’/small model, many collectors today wear vintage Cartier in smaller sizes. If you prefer a refined, discreet presence on the wrist, this 25 mm Octagon works beautifully regardless of gender.

Q: What movement does it have and how accurate is it?
A: It uses a Cartier quartz movement, known for high day‑to‑day accuracy. Standard quartz watches typically run within about ±15 seconds per month under normal conditions. Many Cartier quartz calibres also feature an end‑of‑life indicator where the seconds hand jumps in four‑second steps when the battery is low.

Q: How long does the battery last and how is it replaced?
A: Expect around 2–3 years on a fresh battery, depending on usage. Cartier recommends battery replacement by an authorised service centre; a proper battery service also includes gasket replacement and water‑resistance checks.

Q: Is it water‑resistant and can I swim with it?
A: This reference is typically rated to 3 ATM (30 m). As a vintage piece, gasket ageing means water resistance cannot be guaranteed without recent pressure testing. We recommend avoiding swimming, showering, or submersion and keeping the crown fully pushed in during everyday wear.

Q: Does this bracelet have Cartier’s modern QuickSwitch or SmartLink systems?
A: No. Those systems were introduced on the 2018‑onward Santos models. The vintage Octagon uses traditional links that a competent jeweller or watchmaker can size by adding or removing links.

Q: What crystal does it use and how should I care for it and the two‑tone finish?
A: Most examples of this reference feature a sapphire crystal. For care, wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, lint‑free cloth; for a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild soap and a soft brush, ensuring the crown is fully secured and avoiding soaking. Avoid harsh chemicals and polishing compounds that can alter factory finishes.

Q: What is included with this watch and how do you authenticate it?
A: This item is sold without accessories (no box, papers, or extras). A Retro Tale authenticates every piece through multi‑point inspections of case, dial, hands, movement, engravings, and serial/reference numbers; for this watch, the reference is 187903 and the serial is 27708. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further details on request.

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