Cartier Santos Ronde 33mm Quartz Watch

Q: What exactly is this model?
A: It is a vintage Cartier Santos Ronde, reference 8191, from 1981. This round‑cased variant of the Santos family features a 33 mm case in two‑tone stainless steel and 18‑carat yellow gold, a white Roman‑numeral dial, a blue sapphire cabochon crown and a quartz movement.

Q: Is 33 mm suitable for men and women?
A: Yes. Collectors consider the Santos Ronde in this size to be unisex. The slender bezel and round case give it a versatile presence that wears well on a wide range of wrists.

Q: What wrist size does this bracelet fit, and can it be adjusted?
A: The current bracelet fits up to approximately 18.5 cm. Links can typically be added or removed by a Cartier boutique or qualified watchmaker to achieve your preferred fit. If you need extra links, please contact us and we will advise on availability.

Q: Is it water‑resistant and can I swim with it?
A: Many Santos Ronde references from this era were originally rated around 30 m (3 ATM). Given the watch’s age, we do not recommend swimming, showering or submerging it. Water‑resistance on any vintage piece can diminish over time; only a fresh service and pressure test can confirm current performance.

Q: How often will the battery need replacing?
A: As a quartz Cartier, a battery service is typically due every 2–3 years. Cartier’s battery service includes gasket replacement and resealing, followed by functional and water‑resistance tests. Replace the battery promptly to avoid leakage and keep the movement in good health.

Q: When should I plan a full service?
A: Cartier recommends a complete service roughly every five years, or sooner if timekeeping becomes irregular, moisture is seen under the crystal, or the crown feels stiff. A full service includes movement overhaul and case/bracelet care by an authorised workshop.

Q: What movement does it use?
A: This model family was fitted with Cartier quartz calibres in period (for example, Calibre 81). Your piece is battery‑powered for convenient, highly accurate timekeeping without daily winding.

Q: What is included with this item?
A: Everything that comes with the watch is listed in the product information section on this page. If an item such as a box, papers or spare links is not listed there, it is not included. You are welcome to contact us for confirmation.

Q: What is the condition?
A: Very Good overall. There are scratches on the case, bezel and bracelet; the interior condition shows only light signs of use. Please review the photos for close‑ups and contact us for additional images or details.

Q: How do you authenticate this watch?
A: Every piece at A Retro Tale undergoes rigorous multi‑point inspection by our in‑house experts, including analysis of the case, dial printing, crown and cabochon, movement, serial/reference numbers and bracelet construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further documentation on request.