Actor Tom Cruise spotted wearing a Cartier

Tom Cruise recently appeared wearing a stainless-steel Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0018, the brand's contemporary take on its 1904 aviation classic. The sighting highlights the enduring appeal of this square-cased tool watch among Hollywood's most discerning actors.

The Ref. WSSA0018 is the large version of the modern Santos collection, measuring 39.8 × 47.65 mm and cased in brushed and polished stainless steel. Its dial carries a silvered sunburst finish with applied Roman numerals and Cartier sword hands, establishing visual continuity with the original design. The case features Cartier's signature screw-down crown and a rail-track minute ring. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, making it suitable for daily wear despite its dress-watch heritage.

Powering the Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0018 is Cartier's proprietary Calibre 1847 MC, an automatic movement with a 21,600 vph beat rate and 42 hours of power reserve. The movement reflects Cartier's vertical integration strategy, eliminating reliance on external suppliers and enabling precise finishing. Polished bevels and anglage are visible through the sapphire caseback, reinforcing the watch's premium positioning.

The modern Santos collection redefined Cartier's sports-watch identity when it launched in 2018. The Ref. WSSA0018 sits between the smaller Santos and the larger Santos de Cartier XL, offering proportions that suit most wrists without excess. Variants include rose-gold versions and skeletonized dial editions, but the steel sunburst remains the most versatile and collectible.

Cruise's choice reflects a broader shift among A-list actors toward tool watches that transcend red-carpet formality. The Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. WSSA0018 retails around $7,250 USD and currently trades on the secondary market between $7,800 and $8,500, depending on condition. Waitlists at authorized dealers remain typical, reinforcing its status as a modern steel sports-watch essential.