Lifestyle

Check Out Renejay’s Iced-Out Cartier Santos

There’s flexing, and then there’s Renejay-level flexing.

On Week 3 of MPL Philippines Season 15, the esports superstar wore an iced-out Santos de Cartier, a timepiece he once only saw on his social media feed. Now, it’s wrapped on his wrist, dripping in diamonds.

“Yung watch na iyan, isa sa mga pinapanood ko sa social media. Sadyang dream ko siya at isa siya sa mga dream na nakuha ko, kaya sobrang saya ko na nasa akin siya. Dati gusto ko lang mabili, pero ngayon, nabili ko na,” Renejay told ALL-STAR.

(“That watch is one of the things I used to watch on social media. It was really a dream of mine to own one, and now, that dream has come true, I’m really happy that I have it now. Before, I just wanted to buy it—but now, I actually have.”)

The Santos de Cartier isn’t just a watch—it’s a cornerstone in the history of modern horology. Crafted in 1904, it was one of the first wristwatches ever made for men, at a time when pocket watches were still the norm. Its origin story is one of elegance meeting innovation: Louis Cartier designed it specifically for his friend, the Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, who needed a timepiece he could check mid-flight without letting go of the controls.

The result? A square-faced wristwatch with exposed screws and a clean, modern silhouette—a bold break from the ornate round cases of the era. It wasn’t just functional—it was revolutionary. The Santos blurred the line between utility and luxury, setting the standard for what a contemporary men’s watch could look like.

Over the decades, the Santos evolved, adapting to the styles of each generation while preserving its aviation roots. In 2004, Cartier celebrated the watch’s centenary with the release of the Santos 100, which featured a larger, more muscular case—the same silhouette worn by Renejay today, now reimagined with a diamond-encrusted makeover.

This legacy makes the Santos de Cartier more than a luxury flex. It’s a symbol of visionaries who dared to challenge convention, just as Renejay did in carving out his place in the esports world.

In this light, his iced-out Santos becomes more than just an indulgence—it’s a quiet nod to those who fly higher, dream bigger, and put in the work to make it all real.

The Watch: Customized Cartier Santos 100

Renejay Watch 03 Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos
Renejay’s Iced out Santos de Cartier XI 2656. Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos

The Cartier Santos 100 XL 2656 is already an icon. With dimensions of 33mm x 44mm, its bold square case pays homage to one of the earliest wristwatches ever made—a design originally created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. But Renejay’s version takes that legacy to another level. This particular piece has been customized to perfection, its case and bezel completely iced out in diamonds, estimated at 1.6 to 2 carats in total. The watch retains its white dial, Roman numeral hour markers, and black alligator leather strap with a deployant buckle, a balance of elegance and flash.

It’s the kind of watch that doesn’t just tell time—it tells a story. The watch appears to be customized, particularly its diamond settings, approximately 1.6 to 2 carats in total—Renejay’s proof of the grind.

How much is Renejay’s Santos de Cartier? 

Renejay’s customized Santos de Cartier isn’t available in Cartier’s official online store, making its exact price difficult to pin down. However, a reputable online retailer specializing in pre-owned Cartier timepieces lists the same model—with the custom diamonds—at approximately ₱600,000. But according to Renejay, he bought it for a much lower price.

Renejay Watch 03 Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos
Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos

Renejay’s Santos de Cartier is a masterpiece in its own right—an iconic square-case chronograph with a heritage that traces back to the golden age of aviation, where innovation met timeless sophistication. 

Renejay Watch 03 Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos
Photo by Mario Alvaro Limos