Cartier Santos Galbée 2319 Automatic Silver Guilloché Dial, late 1990

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The story of the Cartier Santos goes all the way back to 1904, when Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. What started as a practical watch for the skies would become one of Cartier’s most recognizable and enduring designs. Fast forward to 1978, and Cartier gave the Santos a more contemporary feel with the introduction of the Santos Carrée. Its exposed screws, integrated bracelet and steel-and-gold construction gave the classic design a sportier edge. Then, in 1987, Cartier softened things up with the Santos Galbée. The name refers to the curved case, with its rounded contours and bracelet designed to sit more comfortably around the wrist. The ref. 2319 belongs to this later Galbée generation, particularly associated with the 1990s and early 2000s. Measuring approximately 29 × 41mm, it has just the right amount of presence while retaining the elegant proportions that make the Galbée such a cool Cartier. This example is in great condition, with a lovely case and bezel showing no heavy scratches or significant defects. The winding crown is finished with Cartier’s signature blue cabochon—a small detail, but one we always love to see.The watch feutures a small and cute case back inscription a clover leaf with what we think as first letters of names and at the Dutch word “bedankt “- translated to “Thank you”, giving the watch some lovely history we find . The real star of the show, however, is the dial. Finished in silver with a beautiful guilloché pattern and subtle soleil effect, it catches the light wonderfully. The applied Roman numerals are unmistakably Cartier, while the date window at 3 o’clock adds a practical touch to the elegant design. The semi-integrated bracelet is in tight condition and fits wrists up to 18 cm. The watch and its automatic movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker and are ready for many more years of enjoyment. A great-looking Santos Galbée with plenty of classic Cartier character—and exactly the kind of watch that looks even better once it’s on the wrist! Specifications: Cartier Santos Galbé reference 2319 Serial 308xxxCD dating to late 1990’s Steel Case measures 29 x 41mm Silver guilloché dial with Roman numerals Date function Lovely case-back engraving Blue cabochon crown Automatic movement Cartier integrated bracelet Fully serviced by our watchmaker