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 grey "ghost" dial, this example is perhaps one of the most desirable variants of any vintage Santos Carree ref. 2960.

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case is well defined, with surface marks and scratches visible on the case, bezel, and case back. There is a bit of porosity and corrosion visible along the edge between the mid-case and bezel as seen in the images. The dial is excellent, and the hands are very clean. The steel bracelet is also excellent, with some light surface marks and scratches. The bracelet currently fits a 7” wrist, and is fitted with 21 links. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

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.