1980s Cartier Santos Carrée Burgundy Lacquer Dial 2960

Here we have a 1980s Cartier Santos Carrée Burgundy Lacquer Dial 2960. The traditional Cartier Santos was named after Alberto Santos-Dumont, a famous Brazilian pilot whose friendship inspired Louis Cartier to create a pilot-friendly wristwatch, the Cartier Santos, in 1903. Featuring a brushed, curvaceous 29mm Steel case that gently curves over your wrist with finely tapered drilled lugs, the flowing, polished, chamfered edge leads to a lug-to-lug length of 41mm and a case thickness of 8.5mm, giving the watch a comfortable fit. On the right side is a six-sided push/pull crown featuring a striking burgundy cabochon, protected by crown guards. An attractive, polished stainless steel bezel with eight exposed polished screws holds a flat sapphire crystal above a stunning, rare burgundy lacquer dial. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window. Elegant stainless steel sword hands are complemented by a sweeping second hand. At noon, the Cartier motif completes this sophisticated timepiece. On the reverse, a solid, screwed-down case back with eight inset screws, engraved with the watch's details, and housing an automatic ETA Cal. 2671 movement, 25 jewels, beating at 28,800 beats per hour. It comes paired with its 18.5mm brushed stainless steel bracelet, featuring the characteristic exposed polished screws secured by a concealed butterfly clasp, and the watch comes with its Cartier 2024 service paperwork.

This watch is sold with its Cartier 2024 service paperwork. It comes paired with its 18.5mm Cartier brushed stainless steel bracelet, featuring the characteristic exposed polished screws, secured by a signed clasp and will fit up to a 7.15-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1980s, it is sold in used, worn condition, but overall, it is in fair condition with surface scratches on the polished bezel. Cartier 2024 Service fitted a new dial, a new crown and a new clasp. A full case and bracelet refurb can be provided at an additional cost. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

This is an incredible 1980s Cartier Santos Carrée, reference 2960, with the beautiful Burgundy Lacquer Dial. Typically, these dials are cracked and flaking, but this example features a pristine dial that was fit by Cartier in 2024 with the service papers to match. Paired on its iconic bracelet and coming in an impressive 29mm by 41mm case, these Santos Carrée are a dream on the wrist. I would not hesitate to book an appointment and see this gem for yourself, but be warned, you’ll likely fall in love and need it in your collection!

Reference : 2960
Movement : Automatic ETA Cal. 2671
Age : Circa. 1980s
Year : Circa. 1980s
Case Size : 29mm
Case Thickness : 8.5mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
Lugs : 18.5mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Service Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1847, the renowned French jeweller Louis-François Cartier established Cartier in the heart of Paris, marking the genesis of a luxury brand that would resonate through the ages. Cartier quickly gained prominence among the aristocracy, earning a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs that appealed to society's elite. In 1898, Louis-François' grandson, also named Louis Cartier, joined the family business. His inventive spirit and keen sense of style were instrumental in expanding the brand's appeal beyond France and into the international market. One of his notable contributions occurred in 1903, when he created the first men's wristwatch, the Santos, inspired by his close friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. This timepiece was revolutionary, representing a shift from pocket watches to wristwatches for men and was celebrated for its practical design. In 1902, Louis’ brother Pierre further cemented Cartier's prestigious status by opening a new branch on Burlington Street in London, enhancing the brand’s presence in the British market. 1907 marked a significant partnership with Edmond Jaeger of the esteemed watchmaking company Jaeger-LeCoultre. This alliance allowed Cartier to secure exclusive access to high-quality watch movements, significantly improving their timepieces' precision and quality. The Santos collection saw its first mass-production run in 1911, responding to soaring demand for this iconic square watch. Its design, characterised by its unique aesthetics, remained remarkably consistent for several decades. A pivotal redesign took place in 1978, introducing a stylish metal bracelet and a luxurious bi-metal version combining steel and 18-karat gold. A further reinterpretation occurred in 2004, with the launch of the Santos 100, commemorating the watch's centenary. In 1917, another iconic model, the Tank watch, made its debut. Inspired by the robust forms of American tanks used during World War I, the Tank is a symbol of timeless elegance. Its popularity grew rapidly, attracting attention from celebrities and cultural figures alike, including notable personalities such as Andy Warhol, Alain Delon, Clark Gable, Catherine Deneuve, and Duke Ellington. Cartier introduced a system of reference numbers for each model to combat the surge of counterfeit watches, ensuring authenticity and maintaining the brand's prestige. In the early 20th century, all of Cartier’s watches were handcrafted in France, with movements exquisitely produced by Jaeger. A significant turning point occurred in 1972 when a group of investors, led by the astute financial expert Joseph Kanoui, acquired the company. Under Kanoui's leadership, Cartier expanded its retail presence; in 1973, the first “Must de Cartier” boutique opened in Biarritz, followed shortly by another in Singapore, marking the beginning of a new era in luxury retail. Throughout the 1980s, Cartier diversified its portfolio by acquiring several non-jewellery businesses, including the prestigious watch brands Baume et Mercier in 1988 and Piaget and Alderbert in 1989. This strategic manoeuvre broadened their market reach and consolidated their position as a leading luxury conglomerate. The 1980s also saw the launch of the Pasha watch, which became an instant hit due to its distinctive round case, oversized Arabic numerals, and innovative chain connecting the crown cap to the case. This design choice reflected a bold move against the ornate watches prevalent among luxury brands at that time. In 2007, Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, a watch designed to counterstate the heavily embellished styles of its contemporaries. This model showcased a more minimalist aesthetic while maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship associated with the Cartier name, thereby solidifying its status as a hallmark of luxury and sophistication in the watchmaking world.