Strap Guide: Cartier Santos de Cartier WSSA0065

Strap Guide written by @watchtheluxe. Thank you, Ratthachai!

Introduction

Cartier has always been my favourite watch maison. I am deeply drawn to the brand’s design language: timeless, balanced, and effortlessly elegant. Cartier watches have a rare ability to transition seamlessly between dress-up and dress-down situations, and that versatility is something I value greatly as a collector. Whether paired with tailoring or worn casually, Cartier rarely disappoints.

After having the opportunity to own the Santos-Dumont Black Lacquered case (a piece I previously created a strap guide for), my fascination with the world’s first pilot’s watch only grew stronger. That experience ultimately led me to add the Santos de Cartier WSSA0065 with the brown dial to my collection. Since the day it arrived, this watch has quietly become my everyday companion.

While the original steel bracelet and alligator leather strap from Cartier are beautifully made, they did not fully suit how I prefer to wear this watch.

That was when I discovered Delugs’ rubber straps. The FKM rubber construction keeps the watch practical and comfortable. Whether worn casually or dressed up, the strap always feels appropriate.

Comfort has become a key priority for me, and I eventually settled on four CTS rubber straps from Delugs, each highlighting a different side of the Santos.

Black CTS Rubber for Cartier Santos de Cartier

This is the most modern and sport-forward option of the four. Black remains the universal colour of sports watches, and the matte-black tone of this strap creates a sharp contrast with the polished steel case. Paired with the brown dial, the effect is striking, allowing the dial to command attention without feeling loud.

This strap feels especially at home in the evening. I often pair it with an all-black outfit: a black T-shirt, a dark grey unstructured blazer and black Chelsea boots. In low-light environments such as rooftop bars, the brown sunray dial catches the light beautifully and takes on a quietly luxurious presence.

Brown Sailcloth Rubber for Cartier Santos de Cartier

This is the most balanced and harmonious pairing. Matching the strap colour to the dial creates a cohesive visual flow that softens the watch's overall appearance. Nothing jumps out unnecessarily, and the steel case appears calmer and more refined.

I usually style this strap with earth-tone outfits such as cream, khaki, olive or light brown. A beige linen shirt with rolled-up sleeves, white shorts and brown suede loafers complement the sailcloth texture perfectly. Matching the belt to the strap colour adds a subtle but intentional finishing touch, making this an ideal setup for city walks or relaxed café visits.

Navy CTS Rubber for Cartier Santos de Cartier

This strap delivers a smart-casual look that feels composed while still retaining a sporty edge. Navy and brown are among the most timeless colour combinations in menswear, and this pairing subtly enhances the dial’s warmth.

I often wear it with double denim or a light-blue Oxford shirt paired with dark navy chinos. The overall impression is relaxed yet confident. Among all the rubber options, this is the strap that translates best to an office setting, offering a professional, assured appearance without feeling rigid.

Baby Blue Sailcloth Rubber for Cartier Santos de Cartier

This is the most expressive strap in the collection. It instantly gives the Santos a lighter, more playful personality. I tend to wear this strap during holidays, poolside gatherings or beach walks. The soft blue tone mirrors the sky and sea, while the brown dial echoes the warmth of sand.

Because the strap itself is visually bold, the rest of the outfit stays neutral. A white T-shirt, cream or khaki shorts and white canvas sneakers allow the watch to remain the focal point while keeping the overall look clean and relaxed.