Introduction
Perhaps one of the most legendary timepieces ever, the Cartier Santos is the watch we must thank for the modern horology industry that we all know and love. Designed in 1904 as the first-ever pilot’s watch and thus the first-ever tool watch, the Cartier Santos has continued to push boundaries ever since it was strapped to the wrist of famous aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. As the story goes, Alberto asked Louis Cartier for a wristwatch that he could wear while flying as it would be so much more practical than his using his usual pocket watch while also trying to control his plane. Evolving through time like most pieces of design, the Cartier Santos has been characteristically fluid in its unique ability to encapsulate the aesthetic zeitgeist of whatever era it finds itself in. As such, Cartier released the Cartier Santos in 1978 to capitalize on the growing market for angular integrated bracelet watches thanks to the popularity of the Royal Oak, Nautilus and other such watches. With its integrated bracelet, exposed screws, angular design, raised polished bezel, distinctive bracelet and classical Cartier dial, the Santos was a success and since then has continued to grow as a collection with the Santos Carree, which we have here, being launched in the 1980s with its boxier case than the Galbee (‘carree’ means square in French) which was also launched around the same time. Powered by an automatic movement and featuring an elusive burgundy red dial, this example is perhaps one of the most desirable variants of any vintage Santos Carree ref. 2960.
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Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Service Pouch, Spare Links
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
29mm x 41mm
Model
Santos Carree
Movement
Automatic cal. 077 (ETA cal. 2671)
Reference
2960
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Service Pouch, and Spare Links
Dial Color
Burgundy

THE DIAL
While boasting a burgundy red colour, the ref. 2960's lacquer dial is more on the undestated side with its lack of branding, inscriptions, or hour markers. Indeed appearing nearly dark in low-light conditions, the ref. 2960 is a watch that only those in the know will recognise as something truly special.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring 41mm from lug-to-lug and fitted with an integrated bracelet, the Santos Carree ref. 2960 wears much larger than its 29mm diameter would suggest, and so is the perfect watch for a collector seeking out a tasteful watch that is entirely under-the-radar.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case has a couple of nicks on the edges and some scratches. The case back shows a number of nicks and scratches, with some wear to the screw heads, though the engravings remain well defined. The burgundy dial is in excellent condition and the hands are very clean. The steel bracelet has surface scratches and negligible play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 6 3/4" wrist and has 20 links, with 2 additional links included. Comes with box and Cartier pouch.
Our Perspective
An interesting fusion of sportiness and Cartier's famous design prowess, the Santos Carree offers the best of both worlds with its uniquely angular and rugged aesthetic, all while being unmistakably Cartier.