The Cartier Santos de Cartier does something most women’s watches seem to fear to do. It dares to be mechanical in appearance.

Where are my Jeweler's screwdrivers?

Every detail of this watch reminds you that it is a machine. A machine with a very specific purpose, but a machine nonetheless. Every plate is made of brushed stainless steel and has visible screw heads reminding you that this is a machine, and it is meant to serve your will. Even the crown has been styled to evoke a sense of the firmly mechanical in that it is faceted like a nut. But it is hard to say whether it means to appear old fashioned old world mechanical, or a more futuristic sense of the machine. I think it works well for either.

This is the perfect gift for the gal who goes against stereotypes and tackles engines and metalworking, who aspires to be, or is already an engineer. It’s also great for the technological fetishist. It would be especially at home on the wrist of someone who enjoys steampunk fashion or just loves science fiction for the cool toys.

If, however, you do give this as a gift, try not to look surprised if at some point you find it at least partially disassembled. With all those screw heads beckoning, there are bound to be explorations.

The timepiece features many of the common Cartier touches. The lens is made from Sapphire crystal and the movement is Swiss Quartz, as is to be expected at this level of wristwatch. The hands are shaped like swords and blue to help them stand out. Likewise the stark black roman numerals to mark the hours.

The spacing of the hour markings on a square face is bound to be a little odd, but this reviewer found the spacing and slanting of the numbers to have a somewhat unsettling feeling. I wasn’t wholly certain I could trust the accuracy of the markers and would be more comfortable reading the time if they weren’t there. Also, the lower left corner is very crowded in appearance.

Specs:

• Model W20056D6
• Stainless Steel housing and band
• Scratch resistant Sapphire crystal lens
• Hidden deployment clasp
• Water resistant to 30m
• Swiss Quartz movement
• Case dimensions 23.5mmx23.5mmx6mm