Cartier Santos Carree Two Tone (Ref. 2961), 1980s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History & Significance The Santos’ story begins in 1904 when Louis Cartier designed a square wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, frustrated by the impracticality of pocket watches while flying. It was among the first purpose-built men’s wristwatches, a revolutionary design that helped shape modern watchmaking. The Santos Dumont would become an icon of early aviation style, seen on Santos-Dumont’s wrist during his historic 1906 flights. Cartier later expanded the design, introducing platinum and yellow gold versions and developing the deployant buckle, still a Cartier innovation in use today. By 1978, Cartier reimagined the Santos for a new era. The Santos de Cartier debuted with an integrated bracelet and steel case accented by gold screws, one of the first “bimetal” luxury watches. The Santos Carrée , as seen here, became the defining shape of that era, characterized by its squared case, exposed screws, and sleek automatic movement. It remains one of Cartier’s most collectible and enduring designs. Writer’s Thoughts There’s something timeless about the Santos Carrée. It feels both vintage and modern, dressy and sporty, a balance few watches achieve. The early two-tone examples like this one have a certain charm, with the yellow gold bezel and bracelet screws contrasting beautifully against the brushed steel. The presence of the original red lacquer on the caseback and the early serial number details make this an especially compelling piece for collectors. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Cartier Model: Santos Carrée Ref. 2961 Year: 1980s Case Material: Stainless steel with yellow gold bezel and accents Case Size: 29mm Bezel: Smooth yellow gold bezel with visible screw detail Dial: Classic white dial with black Roman numerals and blued-steel hands Crystal: Mineral crystal Movement: Automatic winding Bracelet: Original two-tone flat-linked Santos Carrée bracelet Clasp: Original steel clasp with yellow gold Cartier logo Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Lightly polished, retaining even chamfers and strong geometry; remnants of original red lacquer still visible on the caseback. Likely an early example without “2961” included in the serial number. Crystal: Mineral crystal in excellent condition, free of chips or cracks. Dial: Original “Swiss Only” dial in near-perfect condition with no cracks or chips. Hands: Original blued-steel hands remain sharp and clean. Bracelet: Original two-tone bracelet fits just over 7 inches; little to no slack. Clasp: Cartier-signed clasp is firm and secure.