The Cartier Santos WSSA0013 is the blue one — and for many collectors, the best-looking modern Santos of them all. Added to the relaunched line in 2019, it pairs the large 39.8 mm steel case with a graduated blue dial that shifts from bright at the center to deep navy at the edges. Cartier clearly knew what it had: the watch ships with two attachments, a steel bracelet and a navy calfskin strap, both on the QuickSwitch system. In other words, this Santos was designed from day one to change straps — this guide covers the correct size and the most popular Helvetus options for it.
Cartier Santos WSSA0013 Strap Size and Fit
Sizing comes first. For the Cartier Santos WSSA0013:
- Model: Santos de Cartier, large model
- Case width: 39.8 mm
- Case shape: square
- Strap system: Cartier QuickSwitch (tool-free interchangeability)
This means the watch requires a 21mm (Large) strap made for the Santos quick-release system. When ordering, simply select the 21mm (Large) option on the product page.
As with every modern Santos, a regular 21mm strap will not fit — the case has no traditional lugs, so only QuickSwitch-compatible straps click in securely and sit flush against the case. Every Helvetus Santos strap is built exactly for this.
Built for the Swap
Since 1904, the Santos has been the watch that adapts — and the WSSA0013 takes that furthest. Because Cartier includes a navy leather strap alongside the bracelet, owners of this reference get into the strap-changing habit faster than anyone. The problem is a good one: two options stop feeling like enough.
There is a practical angle too. Rotating straps keeps the original bracelet unscratched, which matters on a reference this sought-after on the pre-owned market. Many owners keep the bracelet pristine in the box and build a small rotation of straps around that famous blue dial instead.
The Best Straps for the Cartier Santos WSSA0013
Helvetus offers rubber and leather straps made specifically for Santos quick-release models, including the WSSA0013. You can explore all compatible options here: Cartier Santos Quick Release Strap Collection.
Below are the most popular choices among owners of this reference, matched to the graduated blue dial and steel case.
Blue Rubber Strap
The obvious first move, and the most popular one. Blue rubber picks up the dial directly and turns the WSSA0013 into a fully committed blue watch — sporty, coherent, and striking on the wrist. For summer and travel, nothing on this reference works harder. Blue Rubber Strap for Cartier Santos Quick Release
Blue Leather Strap
If you love the navy calfskin the watch came with, this is its like-for-like refresh. Blue leather keeps the elegant, factory-intended pairing alive while replacing a strap that inevitably shows its age — the choice for owners who want the original look back. Blue Leather Strap for Cartier Santos Quick Release
Black Rubber Strap
Black frames the graduated dial and makes the blue appear even deeper. It is the bestseller across the Santos range for good reason: maximum versatility, total practicality, and a slightly stealthier take on a watch that usually announces itself. Black Rubber Strap for Cartier Santos Quick Release
Navy Blue Rubber Strap with Screws
For owners who want to lean all the way into the Santos design language, this strap mirrors the exposed bezel screws on the strap itself — in a navy tone that sits perfectly between the dial's center and its darkest edge. A favorite among owners who want something nobody else at the table has. Navy Blue Rubber Strap with Screws for Cartier Santos
Want something lighter for the warm months? The Light Blue Rubber Strap creates a fresh tonal gradient with the dial that has become a quiet summer favorite.
Compatible With Other Santos References
All of these straps are built for the Santos quick-release system, so they also fit other modern Santos de Cartier references in the same size family. Browse the full range here: Cartier Santos Quick Release Strap Collection.
Final Thoughts
The WSSA0013 gave the modern Santos its most memorable dial, and Cartier built it to be worn a dozen different ways. With the right 21mm quick-release straps, it delivers on that promise every single week.
Helvetus is a leading name in aftermarket straps for luxury watches, trusted by more than 50,000 customers worldwide. Every Santos strap is engineered for a precise fit on the WSSA0013, rubber straps come with a lifetime warranty, and all orders ship free worldwide with no import costs.
Find the perfect strap for your Santos WSSA0013 in the Cartier Santos Quick Release Strap Collection.
