Is my Brand New Cartier Santos defective?

[Fifteen]

I have about a 2-3mm gap between the male and female end of the bracelet (where the clasp is). Based on photos online, and based on other bracelets I have seen in person at Cartier boutiques, it looks like 25% or so of the Santos I’ve seen have a gap (SS, TT, or PM; medium or Large).

I’ve visited the South Coast Plaza boutique in Costa Mesa, CA, and they are adamant that this is a “feature” of the watch and that the Santos was made to have a 2mm gap that you see above.

Any thoughts? Thank you.

Purchased last month brand new at a boutique.

[Exiztence]

It is a feature since the clasp middle is not centered but offset on the deployant buckle thus it is uphill and causes this gap.

[Dino944]

The gap is just part of the design. I've seen that on all of the ones I've handled, and my own has a similar gap. Their newer bracelets, such as this or the one for the new Pasha's have similar gaps. Their older bracelets like that for the original Pashas or Tank Francaise do not have that gap, but they are more basic butterfly clasps that do not have any "Safety buttons" to press to open the bracelet.

[AbeFroman]

The gap is normal. I have it on my large model.

[ap1]

Approved

[Fifteen]

Interesting, when I was handling some watches at an AD, I saw some watches that did not have a gap. For both medium and large.

[AbeFroman]

Originally Posted by Fifteen

Interesting, when I was handling some watches at an AD, I saw some watches that did not have a gap. For both medium and large.

It depends on how the bracelet is orientated. There’s a slight play in that area.

[JayHantz]

Never noticed it but mine has it to, absolutely not bothered by it.